If there’s one position that’s haunted Penn State’s offense in recent years, it’s wide receiver. While the Nittany Lions have consistently fielded strong defenses and solid backfields, the production out wide just hasn’t matched the program’s ambitions-especially during the stretch when a College Football Playoff berth felt within reach.
The 2024 season was the most glaring example. Tight end Tyler Warren essentially was the passing game late in the year.
And yes, it’s true-Penn State wide receivers didn’t record a single catch in the Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame. That’s not just a stat; it’s a red flag waving in the face of a program trying to break through the elite tier.
But pointing fingers at one position doesn’t tell the whole story. The offensive scheme under James Franklin had grown stale, quarterback Drew Allar never quite lived up to his five-star billing, and the wide receiver room simply didn’t develop the way it needed to. Recruiting misses, underwhelming transfers, and a lack of breakout stars combined to create a glaring void on the outside.
Now, with Matt Campbell taking the reins and bringing in offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and receivers coach Noah Pauley, there’s a sense that the program is finally ready to fix the issue. Pauley, in particular, has a résumé that should give fans some hope. He’s helped mold NFL-caliber talent like Christian Watson, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel-players who came from smaller programs but made big leaps under his watch.
Penn State didn’t waste any time reshaping the receiver room this offseason. Five transfers are on board, along with a promising high school signee. Sophomore Koby Howard, who flashed as a freshman, is also back and figures to be a key piece in this new-look group.
So, can this rebuilt unit finally give Penn State the kind of dynamic passing game it’s been missing? Let’s break it down.
The Now: A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces
Last year’s receiving corps was supposed to be steady, if not spectacular. Transfers like Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson arrived with solid résumés, but none truly moved the needle.
The offense sputtered, and it wasn’t until interim head coach Terry Smith and OC Andy Kotelnicki opened things up late in the year that we saw any vertical passing game at all. By then, it was far too late.
This year, though, there’s reason to believe the floor is higher-and the ceiling might be too.
Campbell brought two of his top targets from Iowa State with him: Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell. That kind of continuity matters, especially with quarterback Rocco Becht also making the move. Mouser’s aggressive play-calling tendencies should mean more shots downfield, and while not every deep ball will hit, the intent alone is a step forward.
Eskildsen and Sowell combined for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns last season, with Eskildsen leading the way at 526 yards. But Sowell could be the real difference-maker.
At 6-foot-3, he brings a level of athleticism and versatility that Penn State has lacked at the position. His previous stops at Colorado and East Carolina gave him valuable experience, and his 1,200+ yards over two seasons at ECU show he can produce.
Add in Koby Howard, and the Nittany Lions have a top three that looks promising. Howard’s 133 yards last season may not jump off the page, but his ability to line up in multiple spots and contribute as a blocker adds real value. If he takes the next step, this group could be much more balanced and dangerous.
Depth, however, remains a concern. Beyond the top trio, there’s a lot of potential-but not much proven production.
Two other Iowa State transfers made the move, but they combined for just one catch last year. That puts the spotlight on Grambling State transfer Keith Jones Jr.
At 6-foot-4, he’s got the frame to make an impact, and his 450 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 show he can produce. The question is how quickly he can adjust to the jump in competition.
The tight end room remains a strength, and that should help take some pressure off the receivers. But if this group is going to truly elevate the offense, they’ll need more than just a reliable top three-they’ll need depth that can step in and contribute when called upon.
The Future: Raw Talent with Real Upside
Looking beyond 2026, there’s a lot to like-if the development comes along.
Eskildsen has two years of eligibility left, and Howard has three, giving the staff time to build continuity. Behind them, redshirt sophomore Peter Gonzalez is a name to watch.
Injuries have kept him off the field, but the talent is there. Redshirt freshman Lyrick Samuel is another intriguing piece.
At 6-foot-4, he has the size and ball skills to be a matchup problem once he adds some more muscle to his frame.
Then there are the two wild cards from Iowa State: Karon Brookins and Zay Robinson. Both are redshirt freshmen with four years of eligibility remaining. They’re unproven, but if Pauley’s track record holds up, they could develop into contributors down the line.
And finally, there’s Ben Whitver-the high school signee who could be the long-term gem of the group. He may not see the field right away, but his résumé speaks volumes.
Whitver is the all-time receiving leader in Virginia state history and joined Penn State late after initially signing with James Madison. Rated as a three-star and the No. 1,013 player in the 2026 class, he’s a classic under-the-radar prospect who could blossom in the right system.
Bottom Line
Penn State’s wide receiver room has been a sore spot for too long. But with a new coaching staff, a revamped roster, and a renewed commitment to pushing the ball downfield, there’s legitimate reason to believe that’s about to change.
The top trio of Sowell, Eskildsen, and Howard gives the Nittany Lions a solid foundation. The depth behind them is young and untested, but there’s upside across the board. If even one or two of the new faces emerge as reliable contributors, this group could finally shed its reputation as the offense’s weak link.
For a program still chasing that elusive national title, fixing the passing game is non-negotiable. And it starts with the guys on the outside.