Julian Fleming, after rejecting Penn State years ago, is coming to Happy Valley.

Fleming, the former Ohio State wide receiver and Southern Columbia star, is transferring to Penn State, according to an On3.com report on Wednesday.

Fleming, who entered the NCAA transfer portal when it opened in early December, has one year of eligibility remaining after spending four years at Ohio State.

Fleming was a five-star prospect, the top player in Pennsylvania and the No. 4 overall prospect in the country, according to 247 Sports, in the 2020 recruiting class.

Fleming was a two-time PennLive Pennsylvania Player of the Year winner in 2018 and 2019. As a senior, Fleming had 72 catches for 1,582 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading Southern Columbia to a PIAA title. As a junior, he had 78 catches for 1,524 yards and 22 scores.

Fleming was a three-sport star at Southern Columbia, playing basketball and winning the Class 2A boys 100-meter dash at the PIAA Track and Field Championships in 2019.

Fleming dealt the Nittany Lions a blow when he chose Ohio State over staying in-state. In June 2019, Fleming picked the Buckeyes over finalists Penn State, Alabama, Clemson and Georgia.

Fleming played four years at Ohio State but never emerged in a crowded and talented receiver room that has recently produced first-round draft picks like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and, soon enough, Marvin Harrison Jr.

Fleming totaled 963 yards and seven touchdowns on 79 receptions in 38 games. His best season came in 2022 when he ranked third on the team in receiving behind Harrison and Emeka Egbuka with 533 yards and six touchdowns on 34 catches.

Wide receiver is a key need for Penn State, especially with Penn Hills graduate Dante Cephas’ recent decision to go back into the portal.

When Fleming entered the portal, it was easy to connect the dots that both he and the Nittany Lions might have mutual interest.

Fleming took an unofficial visit to Penn State shortly after entering the portal. Fleming has decided he wanted to return home. And Penn State decided it wanted to welcome the former Southern Columbia star with open arms.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)