Penn State football is crumbling and the future of the program rests on administration's next moves to try and retain as many key pieces as possible. That includes commits that recently announced their re-opened their recruitment and de-committed in light of firing head coach James Franklin.
4-star safety re-opens recruitment in wake of Franklin's firing
Joining the group of rising seniors to open their recruitment is wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers. Rogers is a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, and the No. 328 overall recruit from his class. He is also ranked 52nd among wide receivers and is the No. 1 student-athlete out of Delaware.
On social media, Rogers thanked Franklin and wide receivers coach Marques Hagans and wrote, "That being said with the recent coaching change I am reopening my recruitment. I am excited to explore new opportunities."
In his post, he also included a video of his high school game in which he scored three touchdowns in front of Franklin.
I would first like to thank @coachjfranklin & @coachmhagans and staff for believing in me. That being said with the recent coaching change I am reopening my recruitment. I am excited to explore new opportunities. Coaches my DMs are open ‼️ Let's build @AppoFootball pic.twitter.com/o60T64BQY8
— SPIDER-MAN🕷️ (@Jahsiear3Rogers) October 13, 2025
Rogers was committed to Penn State since July 27, 2024. As a four-star wide receiver, adding depth — even young depth — to that room was crucial for the Nittany Lions. This is one of the weakest areas for Penn State. Even with transfers Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena, and Devonte Ross, the wideout room lacks in terms of significant production.
There are key players the Nittany Lions need to hold onto that have yet to announce potential de-commitment, but the wide receiver unit is a crucial position that Penn State must keep an eye on. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the program, and it's not just coaching changes.
Penn State can’t afford to lose these 3 members of James Franklin’s 2026 recruiting class
There are depth issues and concerns of if the Nittany Lions can turnaround in the near future. Without star returners able to come back due to eligibility, Penn State's recruitment needs to be turned up to the highest degree. Whoever comes in to take over as head coach has to be ready to hit the ground sprinting, not even running. Some recruits, like four-star safety Matt Sieg, announced that he's not shutting out the Nittany Lions completely, and he's not the only one. The last bit of hope and possibility must be clung onto, especially with the class of 2026.