After spending his last year of eligibility in Happy Valley, Kyron Hudson is set to begin his NFL journey. He spent the first four years of his collegiate career at USC before transferring to Penn State last winter.

In 2021, Hudson was a consensus four-star recruit in his class. The 6’1″, 210-pounder was a product of the NFL talent factory, Mater Dei High School, in California. The No. 22-ranked receiver originally committed to Oregon, but decided to stay in-state and play for the Trojans.

Playing behind future NFL star Drake London, Hudson struggled to become a reliable option for Caleb Williams. He appeared in one game in 2021 as a first-year freshman, catching two passes for four yards.

In 2022, Hudson contributed in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman. He and future Minnesota Viking Jordan Addison were two key components in USC’s offense. Hudson recorded 15 receptions for 152 yards with a long of 29 yards. Hudson found the end zone three times over the span of the season. His playoff dreams were shattered after a shock loss to Utah in the Pac-12 Championship, putting the Trojans at 11-3 in Lincoln Riley’s first year. He had 23 yards and a touchdown on four receptions in the Cotton Bowl against Tulane. 

Hudson saw action in 13 games, starting three of them as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. He had 17 receptions for 189 yards with a long of 33 yards and scored two touchdowns. He had two catches for 16 yards with one touchdown against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl. He also recorded a tackle and a blocked punt on special teams against the Cardinals. 

In 2024, Hudson had a noticeable jump in production. He doubled his receiving totals from the previous year, racking up 462 yards on 38 receptions. Finding the end zone three times over the season, a buzz slowly started to appear around his name. He broke social media early in the season against LSU with multiple breathtaking one-handed catches in the same game.

With one remaining year left of eligibility, Hudson transferred to Penn State, a team with National Championship hopes. In his lone season wearing the blue and white, Hudson recorded 23 catches for 288 yards. He found the end zone only twice, a disappointing outcome for what he had hoped to be a breakout season.

Hudson went down with an injury during the first quarter in the Pinstripe Bowl and did not return. A few days later, Hudson announced on social media that he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hudson never received an invite to the draft combine in Indianapolis. Instead, he showed out in Happy Valley for Penn State’s Pro Day to give scouts a closer look at what he has to offer. Hudson posted a 4.64 40-yard dash and 30.5 vertical jump, both below or just about average for an NFL receiver. While he could sneak into the draft as a late day three selection, going undrafted is also possible for the former Penn State receiver.

Hudson’s wide upper body makes him physically imposing, almost impossible to press or jam. In his time in Los Angeles and State College, he’s become recognized for elite contested-catch ability. His primary strengths include the ability to bully cornerbacks, high-pointing balls, running refined, purposeful routes, and reliability.

Hudson would thrive in a West Coast offense, which emphasizes short, horizontal passes, timing, precision, and contested catches. His precise route running and reliable hands make him ideal for moving the chains on offense. His ability to handle press coverage at the line allows him to win one-on-one matchups consistently. Hudson could become a trusted target with NFL quarterbacks, as he gives them a reliable option on deep routes with his ability to win 50/50 balls.

His blocking ability should not go unnoticed either. Hudson played a major role in the run game. His ability to seal edge defenders on outside runs is a big reason why Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton had such successful seasons. An RPO-heavy offense, like the Baltimore Ravens or Philadelphia Eagles, could bring the best out of Hudson.

His name is not found on any of the seven-round mock drafts from ESPN draft analysts. NFL teams could be enticed enough by his brute force and ability to win contested catches to take a chance. It would not be a surprise if he were signed as a priority undrafted free agent.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Folks can follow the fun on NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN.