Penn State football will look much different next season after losing 76 players, 50 from transfers and 26 from graduation, this offseason.

New head coach Matt Campbell attacked this problem by keeping a core of talented Nittany Lions in Happy Valley and adding new players from the transfer portal and high school ranks. In total, 52 players decided to stay, while 59 players, 40 from the transfer portal and 19 from high school, will don the blue and white for the first time next season.

One position room that will look particularly different is the wide receiver group.

The Nittany Lions lost their five most productive pass catchers in terms of yards from a season ago. Kyron Hudson, Trebor Peña, and Devonte Ross all went to the NFL and left a 1,341-yard, 88-reception, and nine-touchdown hole.

Campbell’s rebuilding process was further set back when Green Bay Packers wide receiver coach Noah Pauley made the jump to the NFL less than two months after joining Penn State.

Now, though, with under 100 days until the start of the season, the Penn State wide receiver room is one of the most interesting and exciting position groups it has.

Projected Starters

A large part of the excitement is Koby Howard. The returning Nittany Lion didn’t get on the field much in his freshman season, but flashed when he did. He ended the year with seven receptions for 133 yards.

“I think Koby could be one of the best receivers in the country. You know what he’s been able to put on film the past three practices, is awesome to see,” quarterback Rocco Becht said in April.

Howard went viral last season after posting his practice highlights, with fans immediately noting his elite route-running. This offseason, he put on five pounds and looks much more mature physically.

In terms of likely starters, the 19-year-old is joined by Brett Eskilden and Chase Sowell, Iowa State’s two best receivers in 2025.

Eskilden is known for his elite speed, hitting 21.3 miles per hour on a 75-yard touchdown in Week 9 of 2025. It was the third fastest run by anyone in college football that week.

The junior had 30 receptions, 526 yards, and five touchdowns last season. His 17.5 yards per catch ranked second in the Big 12 and among the top 25 nationally. He was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.

Four-time transfer Sowell would be at the top of the list of potential breakout players for Penn State next season.

The former Cyclone had 32 catches for 500 yards in the Iowa State offense and was voted the Big 12’s offensive newcomer of the year.

“Chase has a great combination of size and speed and is a proven veteran,” Penn State receivers coach Kashif Moore said. “He’s been a part of a lot of different offenses, so he has a high football IQ and a really good grasp of this offense.”

Spending a year at Colorado, two at East Carolina, and one with Iowa State prior to moving to Happy Valley, Sowell used to learning offenses in one offseason. So much change helps build a high football IQ, Moore said.

The only potential issue for Sowell is an undisclosed injury that kept him off for spring practice. The 6-foot-3 receiver is expected to be back for fall camp.

Supporting Cast

Don’t be surprised if Grambling State transfer Keith Jones Jr. sees a lot of playing time this fall.

The 6-foot-4 receiver had 32 catches for 450 yards and five touchdowns with the Tigers, leading the team in all three categories.

Jones is a textbook Campbell receiver, matching Jaden Higgins’ measurements almost exactly. The redshirt-sophomore showed great ability to win 50/50 balls while playing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, as well as the ability to make guys miss when he has the ball.

If Jones doesn’t make an immediate impact for the Nittany Lions, expect Campbell and Moore to turn him into a solid Big Ten receiver by the time he’s out of eligibility.

True-freshman Amarion Jackson is another player who could see a role in Campbell’s offense this season.

Initially brought in as a safety, Jackson switched to wide receiver due to injuries during spring ball. The early enrollee made Billy Tucker’s top 100 newcomers for the 2026 season for ESPN.

“I don’t know if there was a true freshman who’s had a better spring than he has,” Campbell said during spring practice.

The dynamic athlete has impressed with his vertical route-running and speed, thanks to his long strides.

Developmental Pieces

The Nittany Lions are blessed with multiple young receivers who could make jumps under Moore this season.

Redshirt-sophomore Peter Gonzalez and redshirt-freshman Lyrick Samuel are two who made some noise heading into last season, but never saw the field.

Gonzalez has been dealing with injuries since stepping onto campus, missing 2024 and 2025 because of them. Though he has still impressed as a high-IQ football player and someone who is always willing to put in the work, former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer said.

“The number one thing you’re getting with Peter is he’s an explosive athlete with all the measurables and ability to play the position,” Gonzalez’s high school coach, Ryan Lehmeier, told On3. “He has tremendous ball skills and uses his body well. He has tremendous upside and is a tireless, self-driven worker and set the tone with his effort in practice and mastering his craft.”

Samuel had a lot of hype last season due to his strong performance in the Blue-White Game, where he led the Nittany Lions in receiving yards and scored the only touchdown through the air that day.

The 6-foot-4 receiver also showed out during multiple Penn State practices open to the media, constantly using his lengthy frame to make tough catches. At only 177 pounds, though, Samuel will likely need to add some weight to get real time in Campbell’s offense as the coach prefers bigger receivers.

The Nittany Lions also added high-potential Iowa State receivers in Karon Brookins and Zay Robinson. Both are redshirt-freshmen who made limited appearances in their first season of college football with the Cyclones.