Penn State coaching staff unsure of top WR’s future with the team

The Penn State football team struggled in 2023 on the offensive side of the ball. One of the biggest issues for the Nittany Lions was at the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, no one ever stepped up to be the go-to target, and heading into the offseason, the entire room has uncertainty. One player who was the top option for the first few months of the season was KeAndre Lambert-Smith, but following the Ohio State loss in October, he went missing on offense. The Peach Bowl this afternoon was similar. KLS did not record a single reception in today’s game, and he has a big decision to make in the upcoming weeks. Marques Hagans comment on Lamert-Smith’s future with the team following the Peach Bowl.

Penn State coaching staff unsure of top WR’s future with the team

Remember week 1 of the 2023 season? Drew Allar hit KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a 70-yard touchdown pass and it appeared that KLS was up next. Little did Penn State football fans know that would be one of the only memorable plays from the 2023 season for the wide receivers in general. Lambert-Smith struggled to maintain as the top wide receiver on the team and he has a decision to make. He can return for the 2024 season, declare for the NFL, or even enter the NCAA transfer portal.

When asked about Lambert-Smith’s future, Marques Hagans said, “I think everybody has to make their own decisions on what the future holds, and no one can control that.”

Does Penn State WRs coach Marques Hagans anticipate KeAndre Lambert-Smith returning in 2024?

“I think everybody has to make their own decisions on what the future holds and no one can control that”

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) December 30, 2023

That doesn’t sound like a confident response that we will see KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the Blue and White next season. KLS finished the 2023 season with 53 catches for 673 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Lambert-Smith declined to comment after the Peach Bowl loss

The media attempted to speak with Lambert-Smith following the Peach Bowl, but he declined the opportunity. He has a lot to think about over the next few weeks.

Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith declined to comment during the open locker room window. Said he didn’t want to be rude. Just didn’t want to answer questions.

— Johnny McGonigal (@jmcgonigal9) December 30, 2023

The entire wide receiver room needs to be re-evaluated this offseason. On a more positive note, Penn State is the team to beat in landing former Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming, a recent report stated. If they can add Fleming and at least one or two other transfers, Drew Allar should have more to work within 2024.

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