BREAKING: Penn State football earns commitment from ex- Ohio State WR Julian Fleming

It’s the moment Penn State football fans have been waiting for a move in the transfer portal. The transfer portal has had a lot of activity throughout the offseason. But everyone has been waiting for that first big splash move that James Franklin will make. That just happened as former Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming has committed to the Nittany Lions on Wednesday.

Penn State football earns commitment from WR Julian Fleming

The moment Julian Fleming entered his name in the transfer portal on December 4, Penn State football fans wondered if it could be possible. There have been a handful of rumors that linked him to Nebraska. But after former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord became disinterested in the Cornhuskers, so did Fleming, it appeared.

Then, a few weeks ago, several crystal balls were placed that predicted the Nittany Lions to land Fleming. Today that possibility became a reality when Fleming made his commitment to the Penn State football team this was first reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3.

BREAKING: Former Ohio State WR Julian Fleming has Committed to Penn State, he tells @on3sports

The 6’2 210 WR was ranked as the No. 3 Recruit in the 2020 Class (No. 1 WR)

Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/k4J77MbIgp pic.twitter.com/USZk9oJrgy

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2024

A native of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, Fleming committed to Ohio State over Penn State back in 2020. He was a five-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class and was ranked as the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania. At the time, it felt like he was the one that got away.

However, he could never get his career on track at Ohio State. After sitting behind NFL first-round picks Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, it felt like 2023 would’ve been the season that Fleming would break out.

But due to quarterback play and injuries, it was another average season. In 2023 Fleming accounted for 26 catches, 270 yards, and 0 touchdowns.

Why the fit makes sense

Bringing players home has been the name of the game for James Franklin and the transfer portal. Franklin used the same methodology when bringing running back Trey Potts in this past season from Minnesota, who was a native of Williamsport, PA himself. The Nittany Lions need explosive playmakers, and Julian Fleming can be just that.

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