Penn State is down to two running backs in its class of 2025, with three-star Kiandrea Barker announcing on Tuesday that he is reopening his recruitment.
Barker had been committed to the Nittany Lions since April 2023, and was one of the first prospects to give a pledge to the program for this cycle. He’s listed as the No. 55-ranked running back and No. 735 overall prospect by 247Sports.
“At this time I think it is best for me to decommit from Penn State. I have committed to PSU for two years and feel that I should open up my recruitment,” Barker said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I am still considering Penn State. However, I think it is best for me to see other places to compare, considering I only took one official visit. I want to thank Penn State football and Coach James Franklin for their continued support.”
A native of Newport, Arkansas, Barker has been closely tied to his home state Arkansas Razorbacks. Barker visited Arkansas three times in May and June.
Even with Barker’s departure, Penn State’s future at running back appears sturdy. The Nittany Lions are set to open their doors to four-star Jabree Wallace-Coleman and three-star Tiqwai Hayes when signing day rolls around. The program also holds commitments from 2026 four-star ball carrier Messiah Mickens and 2027 prospect Kemon Spell.
Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class comfortably sits at 23 members, and ranks as a top-15 class nationally. The group is headlined by four-star California cornerback Daryus Dixson and four-star linebacker Cam Smith, who attends Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep and flipped from Manny Diaz and Duke last week.
