2025 Penn State Wide Receiver Room Preseason Preview

Penn State has overhauled its wide receiver room with impact transfers for 2025. It’s aiming to turn a recent weakness into a strength. According to the latest depth chart, senior transfers Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross, and Trebor Peña are projected as the starting X, Z, and slot receivers, respectively. Each brings a distinct skill set.

Transfer Additions Bolster Penn State’s Wideout Corps

Hudson, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound target from USC, adds physicality and reliable hands on the outside. On film, he rarely loses contested battles and consistently uses his frame to box out defenders. He plays strong through contact and shows excellent hand placement at the catch point. Hudson also holds up well as a blocker, particularly on perimeter run plays, where he sets an edge and finishes. His presence gives the offense a reliable boundary option who can keep defenses honest in man coverage.

Ross, a transfer from Troy, injects speed and explosiveness into the offense. The 5-foot-10 senior separates naturally with suddenness off the line and eats cushion quickly. He displays advanced tempo manipulation in his stems and has a knack for throttling down into space against zone coverage. On film, Ross operates comfortably at all three levels of the field and offers added value after the catch. His route-running and burst should translate well into the Big Ten, even as he adjusts to a higher level of competition.

Peña, a 5-foot-10 transfer from Syracuse, arrives as a dynamic playmaker in the slot. He shows fluid transitions in and out of breaks and thrives when motioned to gain leverage. On tape, Peña demonstrates excellent spatial awareness and is particularly effective on option routes, shallow drags, and quick hitters. He can stretch defenses horizontally and adds schematic flexibility with his ability to align inside or out. Together, this trio gives quarterback Drew Allar experienced weapons and a more complete arsenal at the X, Z, and slot positions than the team had a year ago.

Returning Veterans Aim to Step Up

Beyond the new arrivals, a few returning wideouts will fight to expand their roles. Liam Clifford, younger brother of former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, is the lone veteran who saw significant action last season. Clifford logged 18 receptions for 236 yards and a touchdown in 2024. On tape, he displays a high football IQ, crisp route execution, and strong hands. While not the most explosive athlete, he consistently works himself open against zone and understands how to manipulate spacing. Clifford’s dependability gives him staying power as a rotational slot or boundary option.

Two redshirt juniors, Kaden Saunders and Anthony Ivey, are also looking for breakthroughs. Saunders arrived as a highly touted recruit known for his speed, but injuries have limited his college development. When healthy, Saunders shows flashes of dynamic movement skills. He changes direction cleanly and has an explosive first step that can uncover against man coverage. The key for him will be consistency in tracking the ball and staying on the field. If he rounds into form, Saunders has the tools to contribute as a vertical slot or gadget option.

Emerging Young Talent and Freshmen to Watch

The Nittany Lions’ receiver room also features an intriguing youth movement that could impact the two-deep. Tyseer Denmark leads the pack of up-and-comers after generating considerable buzz in Spring practice. A Philadelphia native, Denmark showed on tape that he brings short-area explosiveness, vision, and creative ball skills. He gets to top speed quickly and understands how to create angles after the catch. Denmark’s compact build and balance through contact make him a threat on quick hitters and screens. If his consistency improves in camp, he could force his way into early playing time.

Peter Gonzalez, a redshirt freshman from Pittsburgh, brings a different body type and skill set. At six-foot-two, 205 pounds, he presents a larger target on the perimeter. His frame allows him to post up in the red zone and box out smaller defenders. In Spring reps, Gonzalez flashed improved footwork and timing, particularly on comeback routes and fades. If healthy, he projects as a high-floor contributor in packages designed for size matchups.

Among true freshmen, Koby Howard stands out as a name to watch. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Howard showed a polished skill set for a first-year player. He runs precise routes, stays low through his breaks, and shows strong hands in traffic. Howard’s tape reveals a natural feel for attacking leverage and finding space, even against older defenders. He enrolled early and took full advantage of spring reps. Whether the staff protects his redshirt or not may depend on injuries and Fall progression, but the early signs are that Howard will challenge for reps sooner rather than later.