The air around Penn State’s football facility feels murkier than usual – quiet hallways, nervous coaches, and recruits second-guessing their futures. But the reason? Often, a new coach brings a fresh philosophy that doesn’t always align with the current players’ plans. But with Penn State relieving James Franklin, the Nittany Lions are staring down a complicated issue. So there’s an enormous chance of facing a potential mass recruiting exodus.

After a 3-3 start and fading hopes of a CFP run, Penn State made that bold move. However, the final straw came after Sunday’s loss to Northwestern. But Franklin had proven his chops last season. He led the team to 13 wins, including two playoff victories. Now, after more than a decade with the Lions, the era of Franklins ended, and Terry Smith steps in as interim HC.

But while it’s a somber moment for Franklin, this shake-up could open new doors for USF. So who’s facing the bigger setback? Probably Penn State, as the program has already seen five decommitments in just the last few hours.

According to Rivals’ report, 2027 4-star LB Gabe Jenkins and 4-star OT Layton von Brandt, who ranked No. 28 nationally in the Rivals300, have decommitted. Then, adding to the wave, 2026 WR Lavar Keys pulled his commitment. However, 2027 recruit Gabe Jenkins’ decommitment statement went public.

He wrote on X, “After the recent shake-up at Penn State, I will be decommitting. I plan to take official visits and reevaluate what’s best for my family and me. I’ll delay my commitment until after the season to fully focus on pursuing a state championship.” Still, the real shockwave comes from 2027 5-star RB Kemon Spell.

Spell’s decommitment came hot on the heels of 4-star WR Khalil Taylor reopening his recruitment. Taylor, who initially pledged in March to PSU for the 2027 class, confirmed his decommitment news to On3 and 247Sports. But Spell didn’t mince words about the shake-up. “Coach Franklin played a huge role in my recruitment and me being committed,” he said. “Just sucks to see him leave.” His candid remarks highlight how deeply Franklin’s exit affects PSU’s top-tier recruits, but the 5-star recruit didn’t hold back.

Spell said, “I’m not 100% with Penn State anymore. I will be taking visits.” While Spell isn’t ready to close his recruiting door, the battle for one of the most talented players heats up. With an offer already from Georgia, he plans to visit. And he’s not stopping there, according to Rivals’ Hunter Shelton.

As Shelton said, FSU, Bama, Michigan, and Tennessee are all vying for his commitment. Then later in October, he’s also expected to check out Notre Dame. While Spell’s statement signals a potential shake-up in Penn State’s 2027 class, the program has chosen a proven hand in Smith as interim HC.

Penn State’s interim HC’s capability

After parting ways with Franklin, Penn State turned to a proven hand to steady the ship. At 56, Terry Smith, the longtime CB coach and associate HC, was named interim HC. Following that, AD Patrick Kraft said, “Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin, who rebuilt our football program into a national power. However, we believe this is the right moment for new leadership to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.” And, interestingly, Smith isn’t new to the PSU’s sidelines.

Smith joined Penn State in 2014 under Franklin as the CBs coach. Then, in 2021, he was promoted to associate head coach. Over the years, he’s built one of the nation’s most feared CB units, producing seven NFL draft picks. Standout players like Kalen King and Joey Porter Jr., both second-team All-Americans, showcase Smith’s ability to develop elite talent year after year. But that’s not all about this interim head coach.

He has a deep connection with the program. He was a standout WR for Penn State under Joe Paterno. That means Smith combines firsthand playing experience with unmatched recruiting expertise. The roots are wider than you can imagine. He is well-known as a recruiting powerhouse in Western Pennsylvania. Now, tasked with leading a struggling team at 0-3 in SEC play, Smith faces a critical test. Let’s see if he’s able to make his leadership count or not.