The wide receiver position has plagued the Nittany Lions over the last few years.

It’s been half a decade since a Penn State receiver has racked up over 1,000 receiving yards in a season, with Jahan Dotson as the last one in 2021.

The lack of consistent playmakers on the outside has been a major cause for criticism as Penn State has repeatedly failed to beat elite teams in recent seasons.

Enter Koby Howard, a true sophomore receiver sent by the football gods to break the curse.

Through three games, Howard is top 10 in the nation in receiving yards with 344, along with boasting three total touchdowns. Howard’s also third in the country with 28.7 yards per reception.

While three games may be too small a sample size for some, I’m here to tell you that Howard has already done enough to cement himself as the rightful heir to the Penn State receiver GOAT crown.

It’s a common misconception that starters like Howard are pulled from blowouts in the second half because they don’t want to risk getting injured when the game is already over. However, that concept is nothing more than a common myth.

Howard has hardly touched the field in the second half so far because it would be simply too unfair to the other team to have to cover someone so unguardable for all four quarters. It’s really great sportsmanship from Matt Campbell’s team to give the opponent a fighting chance.

With Big Ten play opening up this week, it’s unrealistic to think that Howard will sit out every second half for the rest of the season. That is, unless offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser calls what we all want him to: fade ball to Howard on every play.

Anybody who has watched the Nittany Lions this year has wondered the same thing: “Why don’t we just chuck it to Howard every time?”

It’s worked well in the few times we’ve tried so far this season, so why don’t we do it every play from here on out?

This proposed offensive scheme would make it significantly easier for every other offensive player and coach. With quarterback Rocco Becht and Howard playing “buddy ball” all game, the Nittany Lions are sure to score on every drive.

Naturally, with Howard’s sudden surge to the top of the college football world, people are surely wondering, “Where the hell was this kid last year?” and that is a fantastic question.

The leading theory is that James Franklin wanted to keep Howard off the field last season to keep college football interesting. Penn State would’ve cruised to a 16-0 record in 2025 with Howard, which doesn’t make very good television for those who don’t root for the blue and white.

Now that the Nittany Lions are actually utilizing Howard, it’s clear to see that this season is going to end with Penn State on top.

The Biletnikoff race is as good as over; scoot to the side, Jeremiah Smith, and make room for Howard. They might as well start building his statue outside Beaver Stadium.