One of Penn State’s young running backs is leaving the program after two seasons, according to a report Friday.
Redshirt freshman Corey Smith is the latest Nittany Lion to enter the portal, according to ESPN. A former four-star recruit, Smith played in six career games at Penn State, totaling 36 carries for 182 yards. Smith had a chance to push for more playing time in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, though he was beaten by Quinton Martin Jr. and Tiki Hayes.
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Penn State’s running back space will look much different in 2026 as the team says goodbye to senior edge rusher duo Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton who declared for the NFL Draft. Redshirt sophomore Cam Wallace also entered the portal, meaning both of the team’s most experienced linebackers could play for a new team next year.
The good news for the Nittany Lions is that they have a ton of talent waiting for them. Martin flashed his potential with a 100-yard game against Clemson, and Hayes and Jabri Coleman are both former four-star recruits who could be different players next year.
If head coach Matt Campbell wants to expand his running back room, he could look to some of his former players at Iowa State. Juniors Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III combined for 1,684 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and both entered the transfer portal. Both backs will be proven commodities and could potentially be one-year solutions at the running back position for the program.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Former four-star running back expected to transfer from Penn State
