MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — The recruiting landscape just shifted in Morgantown.

Over the weekend, Penn State announced it was parting ways with head coach James Franklin, a move that sent shockwaves through the Nittany Lion program and immediately impacted its 2026 recruiting class. Several high-profile commits wasted little time opening their recruitment again, and West Virginia wasted no time swooping in.

Now under head coach Rich Rodriguez, WVU has extended scholarship offers to five former Penn State commits or pledges, all of whom are re-evaluating their futures in the wake of the coaching change.

Below is a closer look at each target, their status, and why West Virginia sees value in making aggressive runs at these recruits.

  • Penn State’s Coaching Fallout
    The dismissal of Franklin has created immediate uncertainty among many recruits. Some already decommitted (like Lavar Keys) as soon as the news dropped. WVU’s staff, led by Rodriguez, is treating this as a recruiting opening — one to steal momentum in the Mid-Atlantic region.

  • Rich Rodriguez’s Vision
    Rodriguez has publicly signaled his intent to build a large recruiting class (35 signees is a goal) and expand WVU’s footprint in key states like Pennsylvania and Maryland. With several commitments in flux, WVU sees an opportunity to tilt momentum in its favor.

  • Offers and Status
    As of now, WVU has offered to five players — two have already decommitted from Penn State, while the others remain verbally committed but are strongly reconsidering.

Player Profiles & Recruiting Details

Here’s what we know about each target, where they stand, and why WVU is focused on them:

1. Lavar Keys — 3⭐ WR (Maryland)

  • Status: Decommitted from Penn State following Franklin’s firing.

  • Bio & Metrics: Keys (5′11″, 170 lbs) is a speed playmaking receiver out of DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD).

  • Recruiting Landscape: He held over a dozen offers from Power Five and Group of Five programs, including Maryland, Indiana, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, and others.

  • Why WVU Wants Him: With his commitment reopened, Keys represents a chance to flip a former PSU pledge, and bring in a proven playmaker with upside in the Big 12. WVU’s timing puts them in direct competition with Big Ten suitors.

2. Matt Sieg — 4⭐ S / ATH (Pennsylvania)

  • Status: Still verbally committed to Penn State but reportedly weighing options after the coaching change.

  • Bio & Metrics: From Fort Cherry, PA, Sieg is listed around 6′0″, 180 lbs.

  • Recruiting Highlights: One of the more versatile players in the class, Sieg has been used on both sides of the ball in high school. He holds offers from powerhouse programs across the country, including Alabama, Michigan State, Nebraska, USC, and others.

  • Notable Achievement: He recently broke the WPIAL all-time non-passing touchdown record (118 touchdowns) in Pennsylvania, showcasing his scoring ability as a multi-tool athlete.

  • Why WVU Wants Him: His flexibility and playmaking in secondary/athlete roles make him a premium target. WVU would gain in both depth and dynamic capability if they can sway him from PSU.

3. David Davis — 4⭐ DB / RB / ATH (Pennsylvania)

  • Status: Still committed to Penn State, but now drawing WVU’s attention.

  • Bio & Metrics: From Pittsburgh, Davis is listed around 5′10″, ~180 lbs.

  • Recruiting Interest: He’s viewed as an athletic piece capable of contributing in multiple roles (defensive back, running back, or in hybrid slots). Offers include the likes of Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan State, Tennessee, and others.

  • Why WVU Wants Him: Versatility is gold in modern defenses. Davis gives Rodriguez and staff a chance to flip a committed PSU athlete who can aid in multiple spots.

4. Gabriel Jenkins — 4⭐ S (Pennsylvania)

  • Status: Still verbal to Penn State (class 2027) but under consideration after Franklin’s departure.

  • Bio & Metrics: From Pittsburgh area, Jenkins measures around 6′0″, 190 lbs.

  • Recruiting Landscape: Jenkins had a wide slate of interest including FSU, Baylor, Maryland, Miami (OH), Michigan State, and others.

  • Why WVU Wants Him: Jenkins helps build for the future. Flipping a high-rated safety in the 2027 class strengthens WVU’s long-term secondary prospects and creates momentum in recruiting wars with PSU.

5. Terry Wiggins — 4⭐ LB (Pennsylvania)

  • Status: Remains a Penn State commit but actively being targeted by WVU.

  • Bio & Metrics: From Coatesville, PA, Wiggins is around 6′3″, 210 lbs.

  • Recruiting Interests: He draws offers from multiple Power Five programs, including Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, and others.

  • Why WVU Wants Him: As a high-end linebacker in PA, Wiggins is a prime target in WVU’s push to reclaim PA talent. If flipped, he adds immediate size and athleticism to Morgantown’s front seven.

The decision to fire James Franklin triggered more than a coaching vacancy at Penn State — it created ripples across the recruiting landscape. West Virginia, under Rich Rodriguez, isn’t content to watch from the sidelines. By boldly re-offering to five former PSU commits, WVU is making a statement: in times of chaos, opportunity steps up.

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