See previous position previews here.
They say you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and for Penn State, the weakest link has been the wide receiver room as of late.
The Nittany Lions will look to change that narrative this season with a revamped arsenal, including new wide receivers coach Noah Pauley and multiple Iowa State transfers.
Here’s a breakdown heading into the fall.
Brett Eskildsen
Penn State doesn’t have a clear-cut WR1 at this stage, but Eskildsen could lead the team in receptions and yards when it’s all said and done.
Arriving via the transfer portal after a two-year stint at Iowa State, the junior wideout provides Penn State with a polished route-runner capable of stretching the field. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound target possesses elite track speed, holding a 10.52-second 100-meter dash during his high school days in Texas.
Eskildsen weaponized that speed during a breakout 2025 campaign with the Cyclones, finishing the year with 30 receptions for 526 yards and five touchdowns. He proved to be a highly efficient vertical asset, highlighted by an explosive 75-yard touchdown catch against BYU and a multi-touchdown performance in a victory over Kansas.
His ability to win isolated matchups on the perimeter will give the Nittany Lions a lethal weapon in the deep third.
Chase Sowell
Bringing a wealth of experience to the offense, Sowell gives Penn State a large perimeter presence. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 203 pounds, the senior transfer has put together a productive collegiate journey spanning stops at Colorado, East Carolina and, most recently, Iowa State.
Sowell’s resume is anchored by consistent production. He earned second-team All-AAC honors at East Carolina in 2024 after racking up 678 yards on 34 catches, and followed that up in 2025 with 32 receptions for 500 yards and two touchdowns against a Power 4 schedule at Iowa State.
Known for his catch radius and ability to win contested balls, Sowell can take over games when called upon, exemplified by a four-catch, 146-yard explosion against Arizona last season. He projects as a third-down chain-mover and red-zone mismatch, but needs to clean up drops after leading all Cyclones with six last year.
Koby Howard
While Penn State added veteran depth via the transfer portal, sophomore Koby Howard represents the team’s internal development. A highly touted former four-star recruit out of Florida powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna, the 5-foot-11, 202-pound Howard gives the Nittany Lions versatility in the slot.
As a true freshman in 2025, Howard consistently generated buzz during practice blocks and began converting that into game reps as the season progressed. He capped his debut season with seven catches for 133 yards, averaging 19 yards per reception while flashing his playmaking ability.
Entering 2026 with an increased grasp of the playbook and a full college offseason under his belt, Howard is primed for a massive statistical leap as a foundational piece of the offense.
Depth
Iowa State transfers Karon Brookins and Zay Robinson are names to know — while they haven’t proven it in game action, both earned praise from the coaching staff this offseason and could see snaps. Additionally, Penn State secured an under-the-radar transfer from Keith Jones Jr. out of Grambling State, who accumulated 438 yards and four touchdowns on 31 snags last year.
