Halfway into the college football season, the recruitment game is in full swing. Each passing day comes with its fair share of commits and decommits. The latest to join the trend is Khalil Taylor. The 4-star player decommitted from Penn State’s class of 2027. As if James Franklin wasn’t having a tough time already. The announcement comes on the heels of Penn State losing two back-to-back games. To add salt to the wound, Taylor has Lions’ conference rivals among the teams he’d like to visit.

Penn State held the #2 spot for the 2027 recruitment class, but now it’s down to #10. The news of Taylor’s decommitment was first reported by Rivals journalist Hayes Faucett on X. Khalil was the crown jewel of Penn State’s class of 27 and would have helped them acquire similar blue-chip recruits. Now, with him gone, it casts a doubt over the entire class.

But all is not lost, as Faucett’s report further states that Taylor hasn’t turned completely away from the Nittany Lions. “I’ll still be in contact with them. I’m not knocking them off the board or nothing. I love everything about them and just want to experience different things and am not trying to go behind their back and be disloyal to them,” Taylor said when asked about Penn State.

He has visits lined up at various other powerhouse schools. “I’ll be going up to Oregon, Syracuse, and Ohio State,” Taylor said. “That’s about it right now. That’s the coaches I’ve really been talking to.” He added, “I’d also like to visit Indiana, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Florida State, and Nebraska.”

The 5’11, 185 lb WR committed to Penn State in March 2025. He ranks as the 56th overall player nationally, the No. 11 wide receiver in the 2027 class, and the No. 3 player in Pennsylvania according to 247Sports Composite rankings. ESPN ranks him No. 66 of 300. While talking about him, Rivals’ scouting director and analyst Charles Power said, “Khalil Taylor put together some dominant film. He’s outstanding with the ball in his hands. I mean, you know it’s going to be good when you’re watching a sophomore and he has a highlight film of just touchdowns.”

Khalil Taylor broke into the recruitment scene in his sophomore year at Seton-LaSalle High School after he had 51 receptions for 932 yards and 22 touchdowns, plus a defensive pick-six and two kick-return scores. His junior year at powerhouse Pine-Richland was cut short due to league eligibility issues. But not before he scored 12 receptions for 264 yards and eight touchdowns. His dominating performances and exceptional talent earned him 20 scholarships from Notre Dame, Florida State, and Michigan State. This solidified his position as one of the premier WR recruits in Pennsylvania.

On-Field woes compound recruiting concerns

Penn State’s offense had a day to forget against Oregon in week 4, managing a total of 250 yards and converting just 2 of 12 third downs in a 31-17 defeat. The Ducks’ defensive front broke the Nittany Lions’ offensive line over and over again, forcing 4 sacks and relentless pressure, disrupting the playmaking and timing of the QBs. Confusion and communication breakdown among the ranks of receivers forced two critical interceptions, swinging momentum in Oregon’s way. Adding insult to injury, all this unfolded at home in the notorious white-out environment.

In their next game, Penn State made history for all the wrong reasons, falling 42-37 to an 0-4 UCLA team, the first time a top-10 opponent had lost to a winless team since 1985. The Lions yielded a 14-point halftime lead, as reckless tackling and unnecessary penalties marred the secondary. A late red-zone stand ended when a misread by the linebackers allowed UCLA’s touchdown, leaving Franklin’s squad stunned and their playoff hopes in ashes.​

James Franklin is not yet on the hot seat, but there’s uncertainty surrounding the program. When that happens, recruitment usually slows down.