Penn State took an immediate hit on the recruiting trail Sunday, losing several key commitments in the wake of head coach James Franklin’s firing after 12 seasons with the program.
Less than an hour after the news broke, five-star 2027 running back Kemon Spell, the No. 1 player at his position and No. 15 overall prospect on the ESPN 300 list announced his decommitment from the Nittany Lions. Spell was one of the top offensive recruits for Franklin.
He was soon joined by three more ESPN 300 prospects. Middletown, Delaware offensive tackle Layton Von Brandt (No. 35 overall), Gibsonia, Penn. wide receiver Khalil Taylor (No. 66 overall), and Pittsburgh, Penn. cornerback Gabriel Jenkins (No. 242) all dropped off Penn State's list.
Later on Tuesday, 2026 four-star cornerback Jaziel Hart also reopened his commitment. The 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back from Roanoke, Virginia had been committed to Penn State since May and was considered one of the more physical defensive backs in the class.
Penn State decommitted players as of Oct. 14
RB Kemon Spell (2027, 4-star, No. 15 overall)
OT Layton Von Brandt (2027, 4-star, No. 35)
WR Khalil Taylor (2027, 4-star, No. 66)
CB Gabriel Jenkins (2027, 4-star, No. 242)
CB Jaziel Hart (2026, 4-star)
WR Lavar Keys (2026, 3-star)
Who's left in Penn State's 2026 recruting class
Penn State’s top remaining 2026 commitments include wide receiver Davion Brown (No. 71), offensive tackle Kevin Brown (No. 80), running back Messiah Mickens (No. 135), and quarterback Troy Huhn (No. 186). The assumption is most recruits are waiting to see what happens next and who will be brought in as head coach.
Franklin will receive a $49 million buyout, per the terms of his contract. It's the second-highest in college football history behind the $76.8 million Texas A&M paid to Jimbo Fisher in 2023.
“We believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships,” Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft said in a statement after firing Franklin.
Terry Smith will serve as interim head coach as Penn State prepares to visit Iowa in Week 8.
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