Latest on Penn State transfer WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith's recruitment
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 push hard 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.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who is 6-foot-1 and 184 pounds, 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.”
KeAndre Lambert-Smith had 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season opener against the Mountaineers. Lambert-Smith also had a breakout game in the 2023 Rose Bowl, racking up 124 yards on just three catches.
His departure opens 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.