Penn State has Past Connection with Transfer Portal WR, Great Fit for Nittany Lions in 2025
Penn State Football wide receivers coach Marques Hagans may soon have a chance to reconnect with one of his former recruits.
Malachi Fields, a senior wide receiver at the University of Virginia, has entered the transfer portal, opening the door to a potential reunion with the coach who helped develop him in Charlottesville.
Fields, a product of Monticello High School in Virginia, was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com—a ranking that caused him to fly under the radar during his recruitment. Hagans, then the wide receivers coach at UVA, saw something special in Fields, despite his modest recruiting profile.
“I’m glad they ranked him that, and I’m glad everybody passed on him,” Hagans said in an interview with Virginia’s athletics site back in 2020. “Because we’re very lucky to have him.”
Now, Hagans and Penn State hope to be lucky again.
Fields has grown into one of the most productive receivers in the ACC. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he has become a dynamic downfield threat, amassing over 1,600 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons. His combination of size, speed, and production would make him a perfect fit in Penn State’s offense, especially as a complement to elite USC transfer wideout Kuron Hudson, who just committed to the Nittany Lions earlier this week.
What Malachi Fields Would Bring Penn State Football
Adding Fields would provide Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with a powerful weapon to stretch the field vertically, a key piece as the Nittany Lions aim to evolve into one of the nation’s most potent passing attacks. Allar, who recently announced his return for the 2025 season, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs a strong supporting cast to take the offense to the next level.
However, Penn State faces stiff competition in the race for Fields. Notre Dame is reportedly making an aggressive push for the proven playmaker, aiming to add him to their own arsenal of offensive weapons.
For James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, securing Fields alongside Hudson could elevate the passing game to an elite level. But even if Penn State misses out, the message is clear: the program is swinging for the fences in the transfer portal, determined to provide Allar with the weapons he needs to compete for a national title.
Will Fields remember the opportunity Hagans gave him four years ago and decide to reunite with his former coach in Happy Valley? The answer could shape the Nittany Lions’ 2025 season—and beyond.
More Penn State Football News From NittanyCentral
- Transfer Portal QBs Penn State Should Target to Add Depth Behind Drew Allar
- Penn State Gets Top Transfer Portal Targets On Campus
- How Far Penn State Must Advance in College Football Playoff for 2024 to be a ‘Success’
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
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.
- Penn State has Past Connection with Transfer Portal WR, Great Fit for Nittany Lions in 2025 - December 17, 2024
- No. 6 Penn State Football vs. No. 11 SMU: Initial Thoughts on College Football Playoff Clash - December 9, 2024
- Penn State Football Needs Huge Games From These Key Players to Beat Oregon - December 7, 2024