Wide receiver Malik McClain on Wednesday afternoon announced his decision to transfer from Florida State to Penn State. McClain, who made the announcement on his Instagram account, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining with James Franklin’s program.
After entering the transfer portal on Jan. 11, the former four-star prospect visited South Carolina and Penn State within the last week. Ultimately, McClain’s official visit with the Nittany Lions on Jan. 15 proved to be the difference maker during his short-lived recruitment.
McClain instantly made his mark in Mike Norvell’s fast-paced system in 2021, highlighted by making nine starts on the outside for Florida State. As a true freshman, the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher posted 16 receptions for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The former IMG Academy product’s output remained steady in the Seminoles’ most recent campaign, where he racked up 17 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns over 13 matchups.
Entering the offseason, Franklin prioritized finding veteran replacements at the wide receiver position to fill voids left by Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley, who are entering the NFL Draft. Since the Nittany Lions’ Rose Bowl victory over Utah, Penn State also landed top transfer portal target Dante Cephus, who spent four seasons at Kent State. Transfer receiver Devin Carter initially committed to Penn State, but ultimately decided to head to West Virginia.
