What started as a season full of hope for Penn State, maybe even a shot at the national title, has unraveled fast. Four straight losses, a locker room that seems to be falling apart, and now the Nittany Lions have fired head coach James Franklin.
This move has sent shockwaves through the roster. NCAA rules let players hit the transfer portal without penalty after a head coach gets fired, so the exits could pile up fast.
With the playoffs officially out of reach and a rebuild looming, some of Penn State’s most talented guys might be eyeing the door. Who’s most likely to leave? Here’s a look at five Nittany Lions who could be on the move.
Rojas: The Defensive Standout
Penn State’s defense just hasn’t looked the same since Rojas went down with a leg injury. He missed the huge matchup against UCLA, and the defense got torched without him.
Rojas, who’s got real NFL potential, faces a big decision now. He could redshirt and keep two years of eligibility, or transfer somewhere he can start right away and put himself back on the draft radar.
A healthy Rojas would help just about any defense. Some team out there is probably already imagining him in their lineup.
Why Rojas Might Transfer
Here’s why Rojas might be ready for a change:
- Injury Concerns: He’s still working his way back, and maybe a new school can offer better medical support and more snaps.
- Coaching Change: The defensive staff is in flux, so stability elsewhere could be appealing.
- NFL Aspirations: A program that lets him shine could do wonders for his draft stock.
Coleman: The Freshman Phenom
Coleman burst onto the scene as a freshman, showing off elite speed and a scary-high ceiling. But he hasn’t gotten many reps in 2025, and with the defensive staff in flux, things look shaky for his future at Penn State.
If another program promises him a bigger role right away, you can see why he’d be tempted to go.
The Appeal of Immediate Playing Time
Immediate playing time matters, especially for someone like Coleman. Here’s what could sway him:
- Limited Reps: He’s barely seen the field, despite his talent.
- Defensive Staff Changes: Uncertainty about coaches can stall a young player’s development.
- High Ceiling: A team that offers him real snaps could unlock his full potential.
Reynolds: The Tight End with Potential
Reynolds looks like the next great Penn State tight end, with the size and hands to prove it. He’s already racked up nearly 200 receiving yards this year and flashed some serious skill.
But the offensive scheme he was thriving in is gone. New coaches might not see him the same way, and that puts him in a tricky spot.
Why Reynolds Could Leave
Reynolds could be swayed by a few things:
- Offensive Scheme Changes: The new staff might not use him as much, or as well.
- Proven Talent: Other schools are probably already interested.
- Development Concerns: He doesn’t want to stall out just as he’s taking off.
Wallace: The Overlooked Running Back
Wallace barely got a chance this season, stuck behind Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. He finished with just six carries, and an injury didn’t help his case.
With both veterans moving on, Wallace could stay and finally get his shot at Penn State. Or maybe he’s ready for a new start somewhere that’ll actually let him show what he can do.
The Case for a Fresh Start
Here’s why Wallace might look to transfer:
- Limited Opportunities: Six carries all season isn’t much to build on.
- Injury Setbacks: He’s had trouble staying healthy, which hurt his chances.
- Potential Lead Role: He could stick around and compete, or find a team that hands him the ball right away.
Smolik: The Quarterback in Limbo
Allar’s injury moved Smolik up the depth chart, but now Ethan Grunkemeyer has taken over as QB1. Smolik’s stuck again, and with the coaching carousel spinning, things aren’t getting clearer.
Honestly, a move to a Group of Five school where he can finally be the guy makes a ton of sense. Sometimes you just need a fresh start to prove what you can do.
Why Smolik Might Transfer
Several factors could push Smolik to enter the transfer portal:
- Depth Chart Issues: He’s still not the starting QB, even after Allar’s injury.
- Coaching Uncertainty: A new coaching staff might complicate things for him even more.
- Desire to Start: If he transfers to a Group of Five team, he could finally get that starting role he wants.
If you want to dig deeper, check out the full article on Penn State players who could transfer after coaching change.
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