When Penn State dipped into the transfer portal this offseason with the primary goal of adding wide receiver talent, the team brought in three options: Kyron Hudson from USC, Devonte Ross from Troy and Trebor Peña from Syracuse.
Initially, the major question was whether any of them would be able to earn starting roles and become major contributors for the team, which had struggled in recent years to bring consistent production at the position. In a few short months, that question has transformed into a different one: which one will produce the most this season?
Based on early returns and buzz from within the program, Hudson, who arrived as the least statistically proven of the three, has pulled away as an early favorite. Though Peña led the team in receptions last Saturday against Nevada, it was Hudson who had the most receiving yards and several of the game’s biggest plays.
“Just going out there, playing with my brothers for the first time, super fun,” Hudson said after the game. “It was amazing. You can just tell the atmosphere, the family, the culture. I think it was special.”
Hudson finished the game with six receptions for 84 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown catch. But beyond the box score, it was the way Hudson played — with confidence, poise, and clear chemistry with quarterback Drew Allar — that stood out.
That connection didn’t develop overnight. Hudson spent much of the summer catching passes after hours, getting in sync with Allar and studying the offense alongside Ross and Peña. It’s that dedication to the process that has started to pay off.
Ross, who came in with the most gaudy stats, had 1,043 receiving yards last season at Troy, making an impact as a deep threat. Peña, who logged 941 yards at Syracuse in 2024, was a consistent short-yardage option and a security blanket for Orange quarterback Kyle McCord. But it was Hudson, who racked up just 462 yards a year ago, who looked most comfortable in the Nittany Lions’ offensive scheme.
Hudson’s raw numbers don’t tell the full story. At USC, he played behind a logjam of NFL-caliber receivers. At Penn State, he’s being given the opportunity to lead, which he’s embraced.
“I think he’s got an innate ability to connect with his teammates and the coaches. He does a really good job of kind of setting the example and the tone in our room, of just being on top of his details, knowing his assignments, and just showing up to work every day, prepared as if he’s a pro,” wide receivers coach Marques Hagans said Thursday.
That leadership has become increasingly apparent to those around the program. Whether it’s in the weight room, the film room, or walking through the Lasch Building, Hudson is constantly engaging others.
“He’s always talking to defensive guys, guys on special teams, especially if you watch him, like he’s just always moving around the team,” Hagans said. “And not a lot of people have that ability that he does … when I say innate ability to connect a lot of people, he does a really good job of engaging people and bringing them together.”
Now, as Penn State prepares to face Florida International in Week 2, all eyes will be on whether Hudson can continue his strong start. But he’s not getting ahead of himself. Despite being a newer arrival, Hudson has already been indoctrinated into the 1-0 mentality head coach James Franklin has ingrained in the program.
“I think it was just a great week, great feeling,” Hudson said. “Great time to be 1-0. Started off great; it’s just a matter of building. We have this game. We’re gonna enjoy this win, and then we’ll get ready for next week.”
