After just one season in Happy Valley, wide receiver Kyron Hudson is officially heading to the next level. On Wednesday afternoon, Hudson took to social media to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the end of his college football journey.
Hudson's path to the draft has been anything but conventional. He began his college career at USC, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Penn State ahead of the 2025 campaign. That move gave him one final opportunity to showcase his skills in a new system, and while the numbers won’t jump off the page, there’s more to Hudson’s game than the stat sheet might suggest.
Across his collegiate career, Hudson totaled 80 receptions for 943 yards and seven touchdowns. In his lone season with the Nittany Lions, he hauled in 23 catches for 288 yards and two scores, operating as a steady, reliable target in a crowded receiver room. His role might not have been flashy, but he provided a veteran presence and delivered when called upon - particularly in key third-down situations where his route-running and strong hands stood out.
Unfortunately, Hudson’s final college appearance was cut short. He exited early in the Pinstripe Bowl after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter. While he didn’t return to the field, he was later seen on the exercise bike with a brace on his right knee - a sign that, while the injury was enough to sideline him for the rest of the game, it may not be a long-term concern heading into the pre-draft process.
Now, Hudson turns his attention to the NFL, where teams will evaluate not just his production, but his body of work over four years at two major programs. He brings size, experience, and a polished skill set that could make him an intriguing Day 3 option for teams looking to add depth to their receiving corps. His ability to adapt to different systems - from USC’s wide-open offense to Penn State’s more balanced attack - will only help his case.
Hudson may not be the flashiest name in this draft class, but he’s a savvy, seasoned receiver with enough tape to warrant a serious look. His next challenge? Proving he belongs on Sundays.