Latest on Penn State transfer WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s recruitment

Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (1) motions to the crowd after scoring a touchdown on a 57-yard reception late in the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Indiana at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Pa. Lambert-Smith's touchdown broke a 24-24 tie and helped seal a 33-24 win for the Nittany Lions.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the transfer portal Monday and immediately became the top available wide receiver in college football.

The Penn State transfer and former four-star recruit was away from the program this past week. On3 reported Friday afternoon he was expected to enter the portal, and Nittany Lions’ coach James Franklin did not comment on the situation after Saturday’s spring game.

The fifth-year player led the Nittany Lions with 53 catches for 673 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Speaking with a source close to the situation, Texas A&M, Auburn, Colorado, Georgia and West Virginia are among the teams who have contacted the wide receiver.

West Virginia provides the opportunity to step in and immediately become a threat in the passing game. Quarterback Garrett Greene threw for 2,406 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Auburn is also expected to make a hard push to get in the mix.

Georgia already added talent at the wide receiver position this offseason with transfers Colbie Young and London Humphreys. Lambert-Smith would be another weapon for Carson Beck.

The 6-foot-1, 184-pound receiver leaves a Penn State team looking to make the first edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff.

“I think (Lambert-Smith) had a good spring, he’s shown some real flashes this spring and I’m seeing them on a more consistent basis,” Penn State head coach James Franklin recently said. “We need him to have a big year and expect him to have a big year, and I’m seeing more consistency in the special plays and production.”

The wide receiver had 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season opener against the Mountaineers. KeAndre Lambert-Smith also had a breakout game in the 2023 Rose Bowl, racking up 124 yards on just three catches.

His departure opens up a big hole in the Penn State wide receiver room. Quarterback Drew Allar finished Year 2 with the Nittany Lions with 2,631 passing yards and 25 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also struggled in big moments against Michigan and Ohio State.

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