Thanks to some popular influencers, Pokémon cards have made quite the resurgence lately, bringing many of us back to our childhood days. There was no excitement quite like ripping open a fresh pack and hoping to stumble upon one of those cards you were looking for.

All that hype made some of us wonder…What would Penn State Pokémon cards look like?

Some of the rarest, most expensive cards today are the Base Set, First Edition cards that were released in 1999. Using these, we took some well-known Penn Staters and created their own Pokémon cards.

Starter Pokémon

On a busy weekend in November, you might need to choose which sporting event you want to go to. Do you visit Beaver Stadium for a football game, the Bryce Jordan Center for a basketball game, or make your way into Pegula for a hockey game? Having the choice between three sports resembles the first decision every player of Pokémon games had to make: Which starter Pokémon do you choose?

James Franklin

James Franklin makes for a perfect Charizard. Most people pick Charmander to start their journey, just as most people choose football games when they want to go to a sporting event. But just because most people choose them, doesn’t necessarily make them the best. With so many other options for fire types, you’ll have better luck with the other two Pokémon, and the same goes for Franklin, with the other two coaches being arguably better at their jobs — or at least more popular for now.

Micah Shrewsberry

Micah Shrewsberry is the perfect Blastoise because he is an overall solid pick. It seems we see “Shrews” every day around campus. He’s a very likable guy, as many find Blastoise and his previous evolutions to be.

Guy Gadowsky

Guy Gadowsky is the best Venusaur for a few reasons. Above all else, it is because they are both extremely underrated. With Venusaur, even though many don’t pick him, there is no better choice to start the game than picking one of the best grass types. The same goes for Gadowsky, who’s one of the better choices of the three, yet many casual Penn Staters don’t always see the hockey team’s success.

Football Pokémon

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley is known for all sorts of things. He has big calves, good hopes, and undeniable status as one of Penn State’s most beloved alumni. But above all else, he’s fast. No better Pokémon shows off speed than Doduo, making them perfect for one another.

Jahan Dotson

If there’s anything we’ve learned from Dotson in the past few weeks, it is that he is an incredible receiver. He’s fast, smart, and has great hands. If any Pokémon has great hands, it would be boxing Pokémon Hitmonchan.

Sean Clifford

Sean Clifford has impressed this year. He certainly has had his struggles, but he proved to many this year that he deserves his spot as a starting quarterback for Penn State. Just like the Pokémon trainer Bill, who’s on a journey to prove himself, we’ve been witnesses to much of that for Clifford in the past few years.

Everyday Pokémon

Nittany Lion

Pikachu is the face of Pokémon. The Nittany Lion is the face of Penn State. They both have great personalities and some pretty awesome skills. One can shoot thunderbolts out of themselves, and the other can do one-arm push-ups.

President Eric Barron

Eric Barron is a friendly sight around campus, almost like your grandpa. We don’t see him often, but he checks in with us every once in a while. The same can be said for Professor Oak, who also keeps in touch with his trainers to ensure everything is OK.

Mythical Pokémon

Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno is legendary, just as Mewtwo is a legendary Pokémon. Paterno is also one of the best, if not the best, coaches of all time. Mewtwo, likewise, is one of the top Pokémon in the game. No-brainer.

Willard Preacher

Electrode’s bottom half is red. And, coincidentally, one of the most consistent wearers of red on our campus is the Willard Preacher. Not to mention, few people have the “charge” to stay outside all day and preach in front of the Willard Building.