How James Franklin Fixed Penn State Football’s Biggest Weakness | KULP
There’s a phrase that might sum up Penn State’s suddenly revamped wide receiver room with spring practices in the rearview.
“Your focus determines your reality.”
And five months ago, the reality for Penn State Football was a staggering lack of reliability at wide receiver.
But Head Coach James Franklin made it a priority, and what was once a glaring weakness now looks like a potential strength.
The updated Nittany Lions wide receiver depth chart is coming into focus, and it’s looking downright dangerous.
Penn State added three experienced, productive transfer receivers:
- Devonte Ross (Troy): 1,043 yards / 11 touchdowns
- Kyron Hudson (USC): 462 yards / 3 touchdowns
- Trebor Pena (Syracuse): 941 yards / 9 touchdowns
That trio is expected to form the starting group for senior quarterback Drew Allar, with freshman Tyseer Denmark and a hungry crop of young talent backing them up.
Franklin has loaded the wings—and this offense is ready to fly.
So, what can Penn State Football expect?
Catches. Receptions. Explosiveness. Stretching the field to create space for Allar and make defenses respect Penn State’s vertical passing game.
This is a wide receiver room built with purpose—speed, skill set diversity, and star power. The addition of Pena, who led the ACC in receptions in 2024, gives the Nittany Lions a game-ready weapon right away.
ESPN currently ranks Penn State No. 2 in its preseason Top 25, and with this revamped receiver group complementing a dangerous rushing attack, the bar is clear: National Championship or bust.
Why Penn State’s Receving Corps Faces So Much Pressure
If Franklin and company hope to get past the Buckeyes during the regular season, take down the Ducks, and outgun the Longhorns in a potential Playoff showdown, before booking a ticket to Miami in early 2026, offensive firepower will be essential.
These offseason additions at wide receiver were not just necessary—they were mission-critical.
The elite run game returns. Tyler Warren, the best tight end in the country last year, is off to the NFL. While there’s plenty of young potential at tight end, the truth is: this season will ride on the wide receivers.
If this group delivers, everything changes.
MORE Penn State Football News from NittanyCentral:
- Penn State Football Recruiting: Full 2026 Offensive Breakdown After Spring Practices
-
How Drew Allar’s Growth Has Penn State Dreaming of a Heisman Trophy in 2025
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.