As Penn State gears up for the 2025 season, the Nittany Lions have added significant firepower to their offense with the arrival of three talented wide receiver transfers: Trebor Pena from Syracuse, Devonte Ross from Troy and Kyron Hudson from USC.
Each brings a unique skill set and a shared enthusiasm for joining a program poised for success, drawn by the opportunity to play alongside returning quarterback Drew Allar and a tight-knit team culture that emphasizes growth and competition. With fall camp underway, these newcomers are already making their mark, eager to contribute to a squad hungry for a national championship.
For Pena, who’s projected as the Nittany Lions’ starting slot receiver, the decision to transfer to Happy Valley was a no-brainer.
“I felt like, you know, they had a great team,” Pena said. “They had a lot of guys returning, obviously, Drew’s returning. I felt like it just made the most sense for me. Everything that comes with being at Penn State is just an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Pena recorded 84 catches for 941 yards and nine touchdowns last season with the Orange. He led the ACC in receptions and was named second-team all-conference last year.
Hudson went a step further, calling the move the “greatest decision I ever made.” He said his parents played a large role in his decision — they were responsible for fielding offers and choosing his next school.
“I kind of left that to my parents, let them figure, and I was kind of just focused on myself,” Hudson said. “They’re my everything. If they truly believe that this spot’s best for me, I’m listening to them.”
For Ross, he knew Penn State was home when he took a visit to campus to tour facilities and interact with coaches and players in person. He met Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and others, and felt at home.
“They’re all high character people,” Ross said. “They’re amazing people, they love you more than just football. So I think that’s something huge for me. And just the opportunity to develop myself.”
James Franklin said Ross’ performance against Iowa first caught the team’s attention. He finished with five receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, along with a 77-yard punt return touchdown, proving he could compete against Big Ten competition.
“I think that was one of my better games in my career, it was just God, you know, that’s all I can really put it up to,” Ross said. “I think I went out there and just put my best foot forward. Good things happen.”
A major draw for the trio was the opportunity to catch passes from Allar, Penn State’s senior quarterback known for his arm talent. Allar ranks among the nation’s top returning starters and has earned buzz as a first-round draft prospect. All three players mentioned his influence on their decision to transfer, citing chemistry on and off the gridiron.
“He’s a great quarterback, great person. He loves his game,” Hudson said. “He makes me a better person. I make him a better person. Just push each other every single day. Just can’t wait for the season to get here.”
Hudson stands at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and specializes in contested catches and physicality. He said he wants to bring leadership to the room, and has noticed a different culture than what he experienced with the Trojans.
Pena has also noticed a difference with the Nittany Lions, referencing an elevated level of talent across the board. This offseason, he’s practiced against one of the nation’s best defenses, led by one of the top coordinators in the country in Jim Knowles.
“It’s definitely different, but I think in a good way, because they have a lot of good guys on offense and on defense, so being able to compete against those guys is definitely making each other better,” Pena said.
For now, Pena said his goal is learning the playbook and getting acclimated. As the only spring transfer of the three, he’s had the least time to adjust. In his short time with the program, Pena said one thing has stood out to him about the room.
“I can tell by the way our group works that everybody’s hungry, everybody’s ready to work, and nobody is complacent at all. So we got a great group of guys, and I’m happy I’m able to contribute to that, and I know the other transfers are feeling the same way. So whatever they need us to do — help the young guys, do whatever — we’re ready to do.”
