STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The shakeup of Penn State’s receiving corps continues. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the Nittany Lions’ top target last season, entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer, Athleticism has learned. Lambert-Smith, a senior, was not at practice Tuesday night during the media viewing window and was also not present at Saturday’s Blue-White game. Lambert-Smith subsequently announced he was entering the portal Monday afternoon.
– uno (@drelambertt) April 15, 2024
Lambert-Smith led the Nittany Lions last season with 53 receptions for 673 yards and four touchdowns. Although he was expected to be a key contributor this season, his departure isn’t too surprising either. Lambert-Smith faded last fall, with just two catches for 28 yards in the final four games of the regular season. He declined all interview requests after being held without a catch and dropping a pass in the Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. He had not met with journalists since early November.
Still, Penn State remained optimistic this spring that Lambert-Smith would become the consistent deep threat they needed. A few weeks ago, Franklin spoke enthusiastically about Lambert-Smith’s transformation, saying he had “shown real flashes” and was doing it with more regularity.
In hindsight, that comment might have been a last-ditch effort by the coach to try to keep the senior.
“I think (offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has) done a really good job with him as well. They seem to have a good relationship,” Franklin said. “I think (wide receivers coach Marques Hagans) has done a really good job of developing relationships with the whole room. Obviously we need him to have a big year and we expect him to have a big year.
The receiving corps’ deficiencies became one of the team’s biggest stories last year. Penn State hoped to address that glaring need by changing offensive coordinators and adding Julian Fleming, the Ohio State graduate transfer who enrolled in January. Without Lambert-Smith, expect Fleming and Harrison Wallace III to be quarterback Drew Allar’s two best options; Tight end Tyler Warren should also play a big role in the passing game.
Lambert-Smith is the third scholarship receiver from last year’s team who is expected to play elsewhere next season. Dante Cephas, one of the most coveted receivers in the transfer portal last year, struggled last season and did not play in the Peach Bowl. He has since transferred to Kansas State. Reserve receiver Cristian Driver is participating in spring training in Minnesota.
College football’s spring transfer portal window opens to all players on Tuesday and closes on April 30.
(Photo: Dan Rainville / USA Today)