Penn State Faces Uncertainty as Ja’Juan Seider Departs for Notre Dame
James Franklin’s pursuit of a national championship just hit a major roadblock. One of Penn State’s most valuable coaching assets, co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, has packed his bags for South Bend, joining Marcus Freeman’s staff at Notre Dame. This move comes after the Fighting Irish capped off their College Football Playoff run with a 27-24 semifinal victory, adding to their momentum heading into the next season.
While losing a top assistant is a blow on its own, the bigger concern for Franklin might be the ripple effect this departure could have—particularly in Penn State’s running back room.
Coaching Shake-Up Raises Transfer Portal Fears
According to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Seider is expected to assume the same RB coaching role at Notre Dame. His departure means Franklin must now search for a capable replacement, but beyond that, he faces a pressing challenge: keeping his running backs committed to Penn State.
Locked On Nittany Lions host Zack Seyko shared his concerns in a February 10 YouTube episode, emphasizing that while star RBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton appear locked in for another season, the same might not be true for other backs on the roster. “Both running backs are going to stay at Penn State. They’re locked in for a national championship run,” Seyko said. “But could the same be said for a Cam Wallace, a Quinton Martin, or a Corey Smith?”
The concern is particularly valid for Wallace, a redshirt freshman who suffered a long-term lower-body injury last season. Initially a late 3-star recruit out of Georgia in the 2023 cycle, Wallace had quickly worked his way up Penn State’s depth chart under Seider’s guidance. Before his injury, Seider had praised his development, stating, “He’s to the point now where he can go out there and function just like Nick and Kaytron. He built a lot of equity between his teammates. Now, they trust him, the quarterback trusts him, and the O-line trusts him.” However, with Seider gone, Wallace’s future in Happy Valley is now uncertain, making the spring transfer portal a very real possibility.
Will Quinton Martin and Corey Smith Stay Put?
Wallace isn’t the only running back whose status is now up in the air. Quinton Martin and Corey Smith, both members of Penn State’s 2024 recruiting class, were also recruited by Seider. Martin appeared in just four games this past season, recording 32 yards on 13 carries, while Smith played in four games and managed 152 yards on 22 carries. Given Seider’s significant influence in their recruitment, his departure raises concerns about their long-term commitment to the program.
Seider wasn’t just a key figure in Penn State’s offensive strategy—he was a force on the recruiting trail. His work brought Allen and Singleton to Happy Valley, where both backs surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last season. He also secured early commitments from future prospects, including 2026 recruit Messiah Mickens and 2027 recruit Kemon Spell. His exit leaves Penn State with not just a coaching void but also a significant recruiting gap, making it more likely that some current and future RBs could look elsewhere.
Penn State at a Crossroads
For now, Penn State fans and analysts are left speculating: Can James Franklin keep his running backs loyal, or is this the start of a bigger problem? While no official transfer decisions have been made, Seider’s departure has undoubtedly created instability within the program.
Franklin will need to move quickly to find a replacement and reassure his roster that the team’s championship aspirations remain intact. However, if players start entering the transfer portal, Penn State’s 2024 season could become even more challenging before it begins.