Transfer portal WR, Penn State target picks SEC program

The transfer portal is heating up, with top names seemingly coming off the board by the hour. Today, this included one target for Penn State football at a priority position. He’ll even be wearing blue and white — just not navy blue. This afternoon, Nittany Lions’ transfer portal target WR Ja’Mori Maclin announced that he is heading back to the SEC, committing to the Kentucky Wildcats.

Penn State WR target Ja’Mori Maclin commits to Kentucky out of the transfer portal

After a 2023 season where Penn State football struggled to find a clear top rotation at WR, the Nittany Lions have prioritized the position in the transfer portal. James Franklin and his staff have sent out multiple offers to top pass catchers, including one to North Texas WR Ja’Mori Maclin on November 30.

Maclin, who previously transferred to North Texas from Missouri, broke out for the Mean Green this fall, putting up 1,004 yards and 11 scores. As a transfer prospect, this made Maclin one of the most coveted WRs in the portal, garnering 11 offers within 24 hours of entering. Currently, 247Sports rates Maclin, who is the cousin of former NFL WR Jeremy Maclin, as the No. 26 WR in the portal.

But it appears that Ja’Mori Maclin is heading back to the SEC. On Wednesday, the transfer portal WR announced his commitment to Kentucky. In addition to Penn State football, the Wildcats beat out fellow SEC schools LSU, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss for his commitment.

🚨BREAKING: North Texas transfer WR Ja'Mori Maclin has committed to Kentucky‼️

The 5-11 185 WR was one of the top receivers in the country this season, bringing in 57 catches for 1,004 yards and 11 TDs👀https://t.co/WiNVlePzMF pic.twitter.com/tA5C4nj9U2

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 13, 2023

Where do the Nittany Lions turn next?

Although Ja’Mori Maclin was a top target for Penn State football, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions didn’t have a chance to make much headway. Maclin visited Kentucky one week after entering the transfer portal, and committed several days later.

There are still several other targets that remain on the board for the Nittany Lions, however. Penn State hosted WR Andre Green Jr. of North Carolina and athlete Jaylin Lucas of Indiana over the weekend.

Of course, many Penn State football fans are quick to focus on Ohio State WR and former top recruit in Pennsylvania Julian Fleming, who entered the transfer portal on December 4. Fleming is currently favored to commit to Nebraska, where the Cornhuskers were once rumored to land Ex-Buckeye QB Kyle McCord.

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