Wide receiver Chase Sowell transferred to Penn State on Jan. 5 from Iowa State. He was one of many Cyclones who followed head coach Matt Campbell to Happy Valley.
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With a less than optimal passing game, specifically in targeting wide receivers the past two seasons, Sowell is one of the most highly anticipated transfers that analysts have their eye on. CBS Sports' Will Backus is one of them.
CBS Sports' Will Backus says Chase Sowell is "the most intriguing wide receiver that Penn State has had in quite some time"
On Friday, Backus plucked out transfers "with something to prove in 2026." For the Nittany Lions, he chose Sowell.
"On paper, Sowell is the most intriguing wide receiver that Penn State has had in quite some time. He has an ideal frame at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, blazing-fast speed and elite abilities after the catch. Those traits were on display when he averaged around 16 yards per catch at East Carolina from 2023-24, but he struggled to acclimate to the Power Four level at Iowa State last season. Sowell had a couple of boom games, including a 146-yard performance against Arizona, but there were also weeks where he was missing in action. Following Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, a majority of his staff and quarterback Rocco Becht to Penn State could help Sowell hit his stride. Penn State is looking for someone to break the wide receiver lull the program has suffered through lately."
In 2025 at Iowa State, Sowell made six starts over 12 game appearances and logged 32 receptions for 500 yards and two touchdowns. At East Carolina in 2024, he had 34 catches for 678 yards and three scores. In 2023 with the Pirates, Sowell led the team with 47 receptions for 622 yards and one touchdown over 12 games.
After experiencing more inconsistency from 2023-24 to 2025 as he made the jump from the AAC to the Big 12, the Big Ten will test Sowell again. This time around, there's a bit more pressure to perform as Penn State seeks stability in the wide receiver room. Having Becht under center should help with that. The two developed chemistry as Cyclones, so logically year two should be smoother sailing for Becht and Sowell.