Chase Sowell is getting ready to play on his fourth college football team this fall. Despite the frequent change in uniforms, his work ethic and passion for the game have never wavered.

When Sowell first arrived on campus in January, he immediately made it clear that he meant business. After posting three consecutive seasons of 500 yards or more, the senior wideout is poised for a big season and recognizes the opportunity that awaits him at Penn State.

It’s not just maximizing his own talent that he’s concerned about, though. Ensuring his fellow receivers perform to the high standard the group set for itself has been Sowell’s mission during the offseason.

Selflessness, explosiveness, and toughness are the three things he has worked on holding himself and his teammates accountable for since the winter, even more so as the season draws closer.

“The biggest thing we could do is not get too high, not get too low,” Sowell said. “Staying in the moment, you know, being prepared when the ball is coming your way, and staying ready for your moment, I think, is the biggest thing that I said to those guys.”

Sowell named Amarion Jackson, Keith Jones Jr., Karon Brookins, and Zay Robinson as players who he believes have met his challenge, stepping up in practice so they can shine when they eventually get the nod.

From a personal standpoint, Sowell will remain focused amid the chaos that Saturday will bring. With thousands of fans, alumni, and lettermen scheduled to be in attendance, playing in the moment will be pivotal.

While he doesn’t have a personal goal when it comes to statistics, making plays on every ball that comes his way will be something he hopes to nail down early in the season.

“I think the biggest thing last year was just pressing, trying to make big plays,” Sowell said. “A lot of the time, the big play comes from the simple, fundamental play.”

Even with gameday just days away, Sowell has still been able to find joy in the preparation process. Joking around with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser has been one of the ways he’s been able to stay loose.

Whether it be playing trivia or brainstorming creative names for play calls, Mouser has helped the offense keep the mood light in Lasch Building.

Sowell even shared the name of one of the goofy play calls he used during his time at Iowa State.

“Butthole,” he said.

Hey, it’s just a bunch of 18 to 22-year-old kids after all.

While the team might be young, playing in front of a packed Beaver Stadium is no small stage.

To get ready for the excitement of gameday in Happy Valley, Sowell has spent his free time watching Penn State hype videos, White Out highlights, and, of course, the now-famous “Mo Bamba timeout” on YouTube.

“It’s exciting through the phone,” he said. “I can’t even imagine it in person.”

Sowell played Marshall during his redshirt freshman season with East Carolina, in front of a home crowd of just 38,211 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Needless to say, Saturday will be a much different experience.

But as much as the moment will be new, it will also be an opportunity for Sowell and his teammates to put an offseason of hard work on full display. Penn State will take on Marshall exactly eight months to the day after Sowell committed to the Nittany Lions, making this weekend a full-circle moment for multiple reasons.

All the assignments, team-building exercises, and hundreds of reps on the field and in the weight room will all be worth it come 3:30 p.m. on September 5.

“We’re all super excited,” Sowell said.