Penn State Announces Unfortunate News Days After James Franklin Firing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 10:40 PM ET

With James Franklin out of a job, the Penn State Nittany Lions roster that he constructed is expected to fragment. Redshirt sophomore tight end Joey Schlaffer is the first to exit, On3's Blue White Illustrated reported on Wednesday.

Schlaffer, a product of Reading, Pa.'s Exeter Township High School, arrived in Happy Valley as part of the Nittany Lions' 2023 recruiting class. He redshirted as a freshman, then played all of 14 snaps over four games last season.

This fall, he took the field during all three of Penn State's non-conference outings and pulled in his first and only career reception for a touchdown against Villanova in September.

Former Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field.Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Franklin spoke afterward about what the moment meant, saying, “Really happy for him. We talked about everybody’s journey being different, and I was very, very happy for Joey and his family. That opportunity that he got, he maximized it.”

Schlaffer didn't travel with the team to its last two road games, against the No. 1 Ohio State State Buckeyes and No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes.

The six tight ends left on the Nittany Lions' roster were tabbed as four- or five-star recruits. A four-star prospect himself, Schlaffer chose Penn State over other Big Ten programs Maryland, Michigan State and Nebraska. Pitt, Tennessee and West Virginia were also interested in him.

Penn State co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Ty Howle said last month that Schlaffer had "made strides in his blocking." Schlaffer had put on some weight, helping in that regard. However, he only played seven offensive snaps this go-round, which likely played some part in his decision to head out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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