Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

5-Star RB Still Considering Penn State After Franklin Firing, But There's a Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 5:41 PM ET

Penn State isn't out of the race yet for this talent

Key Points:

James Franklin's firing has caused ripple effects for Penn State's recruiting classes
The Nittany Lions have lost multiple recruits already
However, one five-star is still open for the Lions with one caveat

The Penn State Nittany Lions have caused skepticism among the nation's best recruits. Many in the 2026 and 2027 classes are wondering if PSU is worth going to, all after James Franklin's firing.

The longtime head coach got axed on Sunday following a third straight defeat -- this time to unranked Northwestern at State College. Fans clearly witnessed enough of the Franklin era and PSU has pressed the reset button.

Franklin's dismissal, again, forced multiple decommitments including one from a high-profile running back. However, there's this catch involving Kemon Spell.

How 5-Star Decommit Plans to Keep Tabs With Penn State

Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Spell could still land in State College even after reopening his recruiting process. But here's the catch according to Brian Dohn of 247Sports.

"He is also expected to look at Penn State after the new coaching staff is situated," Dohn wrote.

This doesn't make PSU the leader for Spell off these words. He's facing multiple suitors including some highly ranked opportunities.

"Michigan, USC, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Miami, Notre Dame, Nebraska and Oregon were schools Spell listed," Dohn added.

Spell included he visited Columbus already for the Ohio State versus Texas opener.

RB Earned Strong Scouting Report

The next Nittany Lions leader has a chance to keep a prominent in-state talent home.

Spell stars for McKeesport High in Pennsylvania and is the Keystone State's top-ranked prospect for the 2027 class per 247Sports composite. He also earned this strong description in his scouting report.

"A mix between a tank and a jackrabbit, which is an extremely difficult combination to tackle. A naturally low-to-the-ground runner with true workhorse capabilities as he constantly bounces off defenders or cuts around them to find extra yardage," wrote Andrew Ivins of 247Sports.

The 5-foot-9 RB even earned comparisons to a past Big Ten talent named Blake Corum -- who led Michigan to the 2023 national title.

PSU earned somewhat welcoming news involving recruits. But again, the caveat becomes who the program turns to next that can sell Spell.

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

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