Where Penn State’s recruits stand a week after James Franklin’s firing

By: Triblive
Monday, October 20, 2025 | 11:43 AM

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Penn State has 21 high school seniors who remain committed in its Class of 2026 after coach James Franklin was fired Oct. 12.

Though, many members of that group are “exploring other options” and visiting alternate suitors in the Power 4 conferences.

Fort Cherry safety Matt Sieg and Imani Christian defensive back David Davis, both four-star prospects, are among those who remained committed but reopened their recruitment.

Sieg wrote on X: “I love Penn State and am still open to being a Lion, but with the uncertainty of the current situation, my family and I are trying to make sure we make the best decision for the future. Please respect our decision.”

Sieg, who became the WPIAL’s all-time combined rushing and passing yardage leader earlier this month, added a West Virginia offer and visited Indiana last week. He also has offers from Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Pitt, Stanford, Syracuse, Southern Cal and Wisconsin, among others.

Davis received offers last week from West Virginia and North Carolina and has others from Pitt, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan State and Tennessee, among others.

“I love Penn State and I love being a Lion, but with the uncertainty of the current situation, my family and l are trying to make sure we make the best decision for the future,” Davis wrote on X. “I’m going to re-open my recruitment.”

No players remain committed in Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class, including three WPIAL standouts who decommitted — five-star running back Kemon Spell from McKeesport, Pine-Richland wide receiver Khalil Taylor and Imani Christian defensive back Gabe Jenkins.

Spell, the nation’s top RB recruit and the No. 8 player in Pennsylvania in his class, had reopened his commitment before Franklin was fired. He decommitted last week. After receiving offers from Nebraska, Ole Miss and Oregon, Spell visited Notre Dame over the weekend.

Notre Dame's RBs vs USC:
Jeremiyah Love: 24 carries, 228 yards, 1 TD
Jadarian Price: 13 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD

And 2027 McKeesport (PA) five-star RB Kemon Spell had a front row seat. pic.twitter.com/KbRoi7lmkt

— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) October 19, 2025

Jenkins, a four-star safety, was the first recruit to decommit after Franklin was fired.

pic.twitter.com/UkK191crvU

— Gabriel Jenkins (@gabealldy) October 12, 2025

Taylor, a four-star wide receiver who transferred to Pine-Richland from Seton LaSalle this summer, is ranked No. 11 nationally by Rivals. His planned visits include Michigan and Ohio State.

Appoquinimink (Del.) four-star offensive lineman Layton von Brandt is among the other top junior prospects to decommit from Penn State.

Other players to decommit in the Class of 2026 include San Marcos (Calif.) quarterback Troy Huhn, DeMatha Catholic (Md.) wide receiver Lavar Keys, Trinity Episcopal School (Va.) four-star wide receiver Davion Brown and North Cross School (Va.) cornerback Jaziel Hart.

On3 ranks Penn State’s 2026 class 18th in the nation, down from 13th previously.

The initial signing day for seniors is Dec. 3 in the early period. The regular signing period starts Feb. 4, 2026.

Tags: Fort Cherry, Imani Christian, McKeesport, Pine-Richland