Closing their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance with a historic 13-3 season, the Penn State Nittany Lions seemed poised for continued success. But with the offseason came unexpected turbulence: players hitting the transfer portal. Linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson and cornerback Jon Mitchell left a gaping hole in the team’s defense. The receiving corps also suffered the departure of Harrison Wallace III to Ole Miss. The questions became not just about the team’s depth but also about maintaining the momentum built during the previous season. Head Coach James Franklin’s response to it all? Aggressive roster management strategies. 

Franklin went on to secure high-profile transfers like wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State and cornerback A.J. Harris from Georgia to bolster his team’s capabilities. Then, emphasizing in-state recruiting, he went another step ahead, flipping top Pennsylvania talents such as tight end Andrew Olesh from Michigan. Amidst all these efforts, the recruitment of four-star cornerback Khary Admas emerged as a focal point. But it’s not just the strategic Franklin rallying to get Khary on board. That’s where things get difficult. Adams, a top-100 national prospect, has become the center of a competitive battle between Penn State and the team they lost 7-24 in the Orange Bowl– Notre Dame. But now that Adams has visited both the programs and made his feelings clear about them, choosing one becomes easy, doesn’t it? 

At Penn State, he experienced the campus atmosphere and the coaching staff’s commitment to player development. He noted, “I like the school. I like the coaches, good culture up there, so just getting around there more. Definitely one of my top schools just getting around the guys.” So, Penn State it is. But no, wait. Notre Dame also made a significant impression on Adams. During his visit, he had the opportunity to meet with Head Coach Marcus Freeman, who extended a scholarship offer. Adams expressed his excitement, stating, “Coach Freeman took me in his office then offered me. I was so excited. I loved it honestly.” He also appreciated the coaching style of defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, saying, “The coaches were real cool, they can really tell you what you need to do and he’s good at teaching you and helping you apply it to the next rep.” So maybe Notre Dame it is, then? Not quite.

Because that’s the thing about recruiting—it isn’t always about who made the flashiest impression or gave the most heartfelt speech. The much-anticipated decision isn’t just hanging in the air—it’s being watched, studied, and now predicted by the people who follow these things the closest. That’s where the massive intel comes in. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, one of the most reliable insiders in college football recruiting, “I believe the Nittany Lions have to hold off Notre Dame for On3’s No. 4 cornerback Khary Adams. Oregon is also in play, but I have the Irish in the two spot.” That changes everything.  

Because being in the lead? That’s different from sealing the deal. Especially when your closest competition just outplayed you in the Orange Bowl and has your top defensive target thinking bigger than football. And Adams has made it clear, too—he’s not just chasing athletic prestige. After his visit to South Bend, he said, “They were telling me that I’m a priority and they need me on the team and how coming to Notre Dame is bigger than football.”

So, is Notre Dame, with its emotional pitch, player development promises, and a vision that extends beyond the field– the only problem for Franklin?  Not quite. There is another threat brewing even closer to home—one with growing influence and a head coach who’s just getting started. 

Should James Franklin be worried about Sherrone Moore’s momentum?

No. The other competitor is the Michigan Wolverines. Remember what Sherrone Moore said about the transfer portal? “You always have to have your ears to the ground in the transfer portal, because it’s just part of it.” And Moore is living up to every bit of his words. But what makes Moore so desperate to bring Adams home? They lost cornerback Ja’Den McBurrows to the portal. And Adams is one of the Top 100 cornerbacks and is one of the highest-ranked prospects. Now, should Franklin be worried about Moore’s squad?

Of course. As much as Moore and co. are obsessed with Adams, the young chap, too, holds a special place for the Wolverines in his heart. That too, after just one visit. On May 8, analyst EJ Holland shared about how Adams’ visit went. “I liked the visit a lot. They had good vibes. It felt like family. They have good coaches. They took care of me and my family. They have a really welcoming environment. It’s a place you want to be. We got to see the spring game and toured the facilities. It was great.” Now, if Franklin loses Adams, will that be the end of his chase?

Definitely not. James Franklin still would have some hope left. That’s because of the top-ranked cornerback in the 2026 cycle, Brandon Arrington, a 5-star cornerback from California. He made an official visit to Penn State on the weekend of May 2-4. Turns out that Frankin and Co. have already wooed him. “The people and the place really caught my attention. Everyone loves football there. It is all about Penn State, and I loved that. Then sitting down with Coach Franklin and learning more about who he is, that was great…That is what I am looking for.” Can the Nittany Lions land a double win—or are they headed for a double whiff?