James Franklin declines to comment on status of KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith elected to enter the NCAA transfer portal and head coach James Franklin did not share too much additional information.

Following the Nittany Lions’ spring game, Franklin elected to only talk about the guys who participated in the game. Lambert-Smith entering the portal was seen as a bit of a surprise to most.

Now, Penn State will do without him on the field.

“Yeah, I’m really happy to talk about any of the guys that played in the game today and are in the locker room,” Franklin said. “Besides that, I don’t have a whole lot to tell you.”

Lambert-Smith addressed the elephant in the room when he took to social media about his decision.

“First And Foremost, I want to thank Penn State for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream of playing college football at the highest level while also being able to earn my (degree),” Lambert-Smith wrote. “To Nittany Nation, you all showed me something I could only dream of experiencing and for that I will always appreciate you. I have showed [loyalty] to the program, the university, and most of all the fans. 

“To the guys (past and present), I couldn’t have asked to be around a better group over these last four years. I’m blessed to know that I have made friendships and connections taht will last a lifetime and for that I’m grateful. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer. Everyone has their own book, this is just the next chapter in mine. #betheonenotoneof.”

Lambert-Smith put up modest stats as a freshman in 2020 but steadily improved over the next three years. Each season, he was deemed the team’s deep threat.

Lambert-Smith finished with 53 catches, 673 yards, four touchdowns and 12.7 yards per catch last season. In his career, he has 126 catches, 1,721 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13.7 yards per catch.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Lambert-Smith was a four-star recruit out of Norfolk (Va.) Maury, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 35 wide receiver in the class and the No. 192 overall prospect in the class.

As far as what’s next, Lambert-Smith has not made a decision on his future. But he’d be a welcome addition to a top program.