Report: Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith ‘strongly considering’ entering transfer portal

KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State’s top receiver last season, is likely moving on.

Lambert-Smith is “strongly considering” entering the transfer portal in search of a new home, according to a report from 247 Sports. The spring transfer portal opens Tuesday.

Lambert-Smith was not seen at the media’s practice window this past Tuesday. On Friday, 247 Sports reported that Lambert-Smith has “been away from the team” this week.

Lambert-Smith’s possible departure is a bit of a surprise, but not totally out of left field after his future with Penn State was shrouded in uncertainty following the 2023 season.

Reading the tea leaves, it seemed like Lambert-Smith might move on from Happy Valley via the winter transfer portal. The team’s leader in receptions and receiving yards, who saw his role diminish significantly down the stretch, also could have tested the NFL waters.

Lambert-Smith led the Nittany Lions with 53 receptions for 673 yards last season while scoring four touchdowns. That was after he showed promise in 2022, securing 24 catches for 389 yards and four touchdowns — including a record-breaking 88-yarder in the Rose Bowl.

Lambert-Smith never fully capitalized on that momentum. He had his moments in 2023; the 72-yard touchdown in the West Virginia opener and the 57-yard game-winner against Indiana were the biggest. But the 6-foot-1 target vanished as the season progressed. He had two catches in Penn State’s final four games. His only target in the Peach Bowl was a drop.

After the Peach Bowl, every player who participated in the New Year’s Six game was required to be available to speak with reporters in an open locker room setting. Lambert-Smith declined to answer questions.

Lambert-Smith didn’t exit after the season like some thought he might. The winter transfer portal closed without him submitting his name. The NFL draft’s declaration deadline came and went. Shortly after, Lambert-Smith indicated he would be back for a fifth season.

Lambert-Smith returned to campus for winter workouts for spring camp. James Franklin said the veteran receiver showed “real flashes” during practice “on a more consistent basis.”

“We need him to have a big year,” Franklin added. “And we expect him to have a big year.”

If Lambert-Smith does have a big year in 2024, it looks like he could be doing it elsewhere.