Penn State added six players through the transfer portal this offseason, a low number compared to other teams around the country but more than typical for the Nittany Lions.
James Franklin spoke on the recruiting process and was complimentary of the new arrivals during a media availability on Tuesday.
Julian Fleming, wide receiver
Arguably the biggest splash the team made was when it acquired wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State, a former 5-star recruit from Catawissa, Pennsylvania.
The Nittany Lions have never been heavily-dependant on the portal, but getting players they recruited out of high school is a common theme among the new arrivals, Fleming included.
“There was a long and lengthy and extensive recruiting process for him and his family. For a while there, we felt like it was coming and then we ended up losing him and then now he's back with us,” Franklin said on Tuesday. “So I think there's already comfort there for him and his family and familiarity and comfort for us.”
Fleming brings not only elite talent, but four seasons of experience playing in the Big Ten with one of the top wide receiver corps in the country.
“Obviously, his ability to play in this league, I think it’s helpful. He kind of understands what this league is all about,” Franklin said. “He also has an understanding of the playoffs as well, so I think those things are valuable.”
Fleming reached the College Football Playoffs twice at Ohio State. His postseason experience includes a five-catch, 71-yard performance against Georgia in 2022.
Aside from on-field production, the transfer’s mentality since arriving also earned him praise from Franklin.
“Keep your mouth shut and your ears open and put your head down and go to work. Earn everybody's respect and then over time, gradually start to become more vocal if that's part of your leadership style and personality,” Franklin said. “I think he's done a good job of that”
Nolan Rucci, offensive line
Another top Penn State target out of high school was offensive tackle Nolan Rucci, who spent the previous three seasons at Wisconsin.
Despite low usage during his time there, Rucci ended the season with a bang when the Badgers played LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl. While Wisconsin ultimately blew a 14-point lead, its offense nearly recorded a season-high in points in the 35-31 loss.
“He played in the bowl game and played really well in the bulk, so I think that was a big confidence boost for him,” Franklin said. “I think we knew very well what he was capable of, but there wasn't a whole lot of evidence at Wisconsin.”
Standing at 6-foot-8, Rucci is tied for the tallest player on the team with freshman offensive lineman Eagan Boyer. He’s worked to add weight since arriving, attempting to fill his frame while maintaining flexibility.
“He can really bend. He’s got tremendous athleticism,” Franklin said. “He’s been great.”
A.J. Harris, cornerback
While he isn’t a Pennsylvania native, transfer cornerback A.J. Harris was also recruited by Penn State out of high school. After playing this past season at Georgia, where he burned his freshman redshirt in 2023, Harris transferred to Penn State.
He’s already made a strong impression on Franklin.
“We got on the phone with him the first time, and then we got on the phone with him the second time, and he had done his homework,” Franklin said. “He knew our roster, knew the coaches, had watched our film, studied our film, looked at the data, where we rank and how we play defense. So right away, this guy was talking about the things in my mind that really mattered.”
Others
Joining those three are cornerback Jalen Kimber from Florida, edge Jordan Mayer from Wisconsin and kicker Chase Meyer from Tulsa.
As winter workouts progress, the new arrivals are getting acclimated to life at Penn State. It’s too early to tell where they’ll land on the depth chart, but the team is optimistic about their ability to have an immediate impact.
“I think a lot of excitement about that group,” Franklin said. “Obviously spring ball will tell us a lot”
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