How Penn State’s Transfer Receivers Are Impacting the Team This Summer
Penn State made significant moves in the transfer portal this offseason, signing three wide receivers to help strengthen their receiving corps. Among them, Trebor Peña has been a standout addition, and according to quarterback Drew Allar, the new receivers have already had a positive impact on the team. 
Peña, who led the ACC in receptions in 2024, joined the Nittany Lions along with Kyron Hudson from USC and Devonte Ross from Troy. Head coach James Franklin’s strategic move to bolster the wide receiver room with experienced talent has already paid off. Peña’s leadership and experience have been key assets, as wide receivers coach Marques Hagans praised his selfless attitude and commitment to fitting in with the group.
“I think Peña is a great addition, and his leadership and experience are invaluable,” said Hagans. “He’s joined the room with no ego, asking ‘What do you guys need me to do?’ Kyron and Devonte have the same mindset, and they’re finding their place on the team and earning respect.”
Allar echoed Hagans’ sentiments, highlighting the work ethic of the new receivers. “They came in, put their heads down, and worked. They didn’t expect anything and earned the respect of their teammates, both offensively and defensively,” he said. “They’re unselfish and dedicated.”
While Hudson and Ross were signed in the 2024 winter portal, Peña joined during the much shorter spring portal window, which lasts just 10 days. This makes it a more frantic period for both coaches and players to find the right fit. Fortunately, Franklin’s connections at Syracuse helped the team gain a clearer picture of Peña’s potential.
“We knew people at Syracuse who could give us honest feedback on Peña,” said Hagans. “This helped condense what usually feels like a lengthy recruiting process into a much quicker decision, and it worked in our favor.”
Peña knew exactly what he wanted when entering the portal, according to Hagans. “He was clear about what he was looking for,” Hagans said. “He compared Penn State with a couple of other programs, and once he knew, he committed quickly. It was a very thorough but fast decision, and he didn’t waste any time.”
Hudson and Ross had a similar approach, focusing on a select few schools and making quick, informed decisions.
As for integrating the new players into the offense, it’s been a process for Allar to build chemistry with his new receivers. “Drew does a great job of telling the guys what he wants and also sharing his observations,” said Hagans. “They’re developing chemistry at a high level with constant reps.”
Hagans compared this process to dating: “You don’t just meet someone and get married; you have to spend time getting to know each other. It’s the same with a quarterback and receivers. It takes practice, time, and communication to build that rapport.”
Allar’s leadership has been instrumental in the transition, with Hagans noting that Allar excels in communication both on and off the field. “He’s a really good leader,” Hagans said. “He doesn’t get enough credit for it, but he does a great job of guiding his teammates. And he’s smiling a lot more this year. I think he’s really enjoying the process.”
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