Penn State football had a crucial missing component to its 2024-25 roster depth. Zero receptions from its wide receivers in the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals is nothing less than unacceptable and head coach James Franklin dipped into the Transfer Portal to address the issue.
Now with transfers Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, and Devonte Ross, the Nittany Lions have security in the wideout room. Even without now-Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, the passing game should be consistent in 2025.
The Athletic's Manny Navarro went through new additions to Power Four teams' rosters and determined which players or position groups will be central pieces to their national title hopes. For Penn State, that's its three transfer wide receivers.
Reliability and consistency will be what Nittany Lion national title contention hinges on. Quarterback Drew Allar needs a solid receiver in the passing game that expands his options.
On top of that, Allar's 66.5 completion percentage needs to improve from 2024 (as well as minimizing interceptions) if Penn State wants to be a serious contender not just in making the 2026 CFP Championship Game, but winning it. Though he has running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen that can be used in the passing game, that shouldn't be option one. Tight end Khalil Dinkins will be another choice that has recently started to stir up excitement, but the wide receiver room needs to step up as the reliable option.
Head coach James Franklin said that the three transfers have added much needed depth the Nittany Lions have been looking for at the beginning of August during training camp. Pena and Ross have already sparked national attention as well, earning spots on the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List.
However, Week 5 will be Penn State's true, first test of the season after three weeks of light non-conference play and a bye week. It won't just be a determinant as to the Nittany Lions' ability to win big games. It'll highlight what Pena, Hudson, and Ross will bring to the offense and if they set Penn State apart from its 2024 season.
Ideally, all three receivers will make an impact, but the Troy transfer, specifically, is expected to be Allar's main target during the season as predicted by David Pollack. Ross tallied 1,043 yards and 11 touchdowns on 76 receptions in 2024 before transferring for his senior season. He, Pena, and Hudson need to establish a solid foundation in and expectations of the position that will last after their final year of eligibility.