It’s wild how quickly things change in college football. One minute, Penn State is talking about a national championship, and then James Franklin is shown the door, and Terry Smith is given the interim tag. And now one position coach also seems to be on the move.

On November 13, PSU Recruiting, an X account that gives out updates about the Lions, posted that Penn State’s WR coach, Marques Hagans, is “allegedly interviewing to be the OC at Stonehill University (FCS).” Hagans had an 11-year stint with Virginia. James Franklin hired him to be his WR coach and offensive recruiting coordinator in the 2022-23 season.

Why Stonehill? Well, because they are not having the best of times under Eli Gardener. The program is currently 3-7 in the FCS. In their last game, they had a 30-point loss to Central Connecticut. The OC, Dan Hebert, has come under criticism in just his first year at the program.

Marques Hagans allegedly is interviewing to be the OC at Stonehill University (FCS) pic.twitter.com/rEA490aOAx

— PSU Recruiting (@PSUNationRec) November 13, 2025

An OC job is definitely a promotion, and in all likelihood, the new head coach of Penn State may not even require Hagans’ services next season. For the Penn State faithful, he has been a mixed bag since taking over the role. If we just look at the 2025 season, Hagans has failed to get the best out of the WR trio that the Nittany Lions got from the portal.

Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena, and Devonte Ross had impressive resumes, and they were the ‘fix’ that James Franklin was hoping would propel him to a Natty. But the output has been disappointing. To make matters worse, Penn State doesn’t have a Tyler Warren to carry the burden this year.

Hagans has seen it all, including frustration, remarks about “firing him,” portal hits, and the empty Orange Bowl box score. Months after their loss last season, he had talked about the how the Lions faithful. “I know this is a very passionate fan base… people speak candidly, and freely,” he said. “Everybody’s opinion is not going to be in your favor.”

The failures at Penn State shouldn’t take anything away from Hagans’ impressive journey. In his time at Virginia, the former pro developed a niche for recruiting.

Penn State’s worst recruiting meltdown in years

Before Penn State could even process James Franklin’s dismissal, the recruitment dam broke. After the news on October 12, it seemed as though future classes were running for their lives in a matter of hours. Gabriel Jenkins, a 4-star safety, immediately backed off his pledge, which was the first shock that gave you an idea of what sort of week it was going to be. A few moments later, 5-star running back and hometown sensation Kemon Spell reopened his recruiting, which was the true gut punch.

And the rest of the 2027 class fell like dominoes when Spell came out. Layton Von Brandt, the four-star lineman who is widely regarded as a potential offensive line anchor? Gone. Khalil Taylor, a Pittsburgh-born receiver with true Big Ten speed? Gone as well. In one day, three key players from the same class went out. It wasn’t simply a tough day for Penn State’s recruiting efforts; it was one of those times when you understand how much stability prospects look for in a school. and how soon they will go if that stability is lost.

The same message was being passed on, even by the guys who did not officially decommit. Consider Matt Sieg, a 4-star safety. Yes, he was verbally committed, but he reopened his recruitment so quickly that the phrase “just exploring my options” was echoing all over social media. These players don’t wait for AD statements or coaching searches, and that is the current reality.