Penn State football: Ex-Nittany Lions WR commits to Big 12 newcomer via transfer portal

After one season with Penn State football, Malik McClain appears set to head out West. The ex-Nittany Lions wide receiver announced his commitment to Arizona State late Sunday night after entering the transfer portal in early May. On Saturday, the IMG graduate was predicted to transfer to UCF and reportedly visited the program this weekend.

Malik McClain transfers to Arizona State

In a somewhat surprising move, ex-Nittany Lions wide receiver Malik McClain announced his commitment to Arizona State on social media late Sunday night.

“Let’s do it, ready to work!!! #ForksUp #ActivateTheValley,” McClain wrote on Twitter/X.

Malik McClain appeared to be trending towards a commitment this weekend, just not to the Sun Devils. On Saturday, Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong on On3 placed a pair of predictions for McClain to land at UCF. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that the former Penn State pass catcher was in Orlando visiting with the Knights that same day.

McClain officially entered the transfer portal on May 2 after only one season with Penn State football. He recorded six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown over 13 games. A good chunk of that stat line — four catches, 58 yards, and the score — came in the season opener versus West Virginia. He did not have a catch after the Illinois matchup on September 16.

Before arriving in Happy Valley, McClain played two seasons at Florida State, where he had 33 receptions for 396 yards and five touchdowns.

Rising Penn State football safety lands in SEC

Malik McClain isn’t the only former Nittany Lion to exit the transfer portal this weekend. Friday night, safety King Mack announced his commitment to Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Perhaps the most impactful transfer portal departure for Penn State football in the spring window, Mack was the No. 86 overall recruit in the class of 2023. He appeared in all 13 games for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions as a true freshman, recording three tackles.

“To Penn State University — thank you for welcoming me into this storied program. Your esteemed tradition of excellence and community has enriched my life immeasurably,” Mack wrote on social media over the weekend. “The lessons I’ve learned here extend far beyond the field, shaping me into the person I am proud to be becoming.”