Penn State Tight End Joey Schlaffer Leaves Team After Coaching Change

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — In the wake of a coaching change, Penn State‘s football team has experienced its first player departure with the exit of tight end Joey Schlaffer. The redshirt sophomore is no longer on the Nittany Lions’ roster following James Franklin‘s firing on Oct. 12.

The Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, native did not travel with the team to Ohio State this past weekend, leading to speculation about his future. Schlaffer competed for playing time in a crowded tight end room alongside Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren, and Khalil Dinkins, but struggled to make a significant impact during his tenure.

During the past three seasons, Schlaffer played in four games and logged just one career reception—a 19-yard touchdown pass against Villanova in 2025. He entered the 2023 season as a highly touted recruit, having been a four-star prospect and a three-time all-state player at Exeter Township High. Notably, he holds Berks County records with 2,493 career receiving yards and 28 touchdowns.

As the Nittany Lions face the potential of more roster changes, Schlaffer is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal once a new head coach is named. Current players have a 15-day window to enter the portal after a new coach’s hiring, following a five-day waiting period.

Interim head coach Terry Smith has acknowledged the challenges of retaining players amid the uncertainty surrounding the program. He emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused, especially with four regular-season games remaining, starting with a matchup against unbeaten Indiana on Saturday.

“Reality is no one knows who is going to be here,” Smith said. “We have to give our 110 percent for these guys. That’s what we’re going to continue to do, and focus is on trying to beat Indiana this week.”

Penn State, once a strong contender, has lost five consecutive games this season and will look to regain momentum against the Hoosiers, who are ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff standings.