KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the transfer portal on April 15, just two days after Penn State’s spring game. However, speculation had already begun the previous week, with On3 reporting on April 12 that the wide receiver, a former four-star recruit and top-200 prospect, had met with coaching staff earlier in the week to explore his options and was expected to enter the portal.
In 2023, Lambert-Smith, a fifth-year player, led the Nittany Lions with 53 receptions for 673 yards and four touchdowns. During his portal recruitment, he took official visits to Auburn and Texas A&M, ultimately committing to Auburn in late April. When asked at Big Ten media days to comment on Lambert-Smith’s decision, Penn State head coach James Franklin declined, stating he preferred to focus on current players.
Quarterback Drew Allar completed his second year with Penn State, amassing 2,631 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and two interceptions, though he struggled in key games against Michigan and Ohio State. With Lambert-Smith gone, Penn State will now turn to Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming, the top wide receiver prospect of the 2020 recruiting class, who joined the Nittany Lions during the winter portal window.
Franklin expressed confidence in his current wide receiver group, including Fleming, Harrison Wallace III, and Kaden Saunders. Wallace had 19 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown in 2023, while Saunders contributed six catches in 12 games. Lambert-Smith, who recorded 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season opener against West Virginia, will begin his final college football season at Auburn instead of with Penn State, who opens against West Virginia on August 31.
Reflecting on the upcoming game at Milan Puskar Stadium, Franklin described it as a “hornet’s nest,” emphasizing the pride West Virginians take in their football team, given the lack of a professional team in the area.
