ESPN ranks Penn State Football transfer WR Trebor Pena as their No. 1 newcomer for the 2025 season.
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Top newcomer: WR Trebor Pena (Transferred from Syracuse)
Why: While tight end Tyler Warren lined up everywhere and caught 104 passes for 1,223 yards last year, Penn State hasn't had a dominant wide receiver since Jahan Dotson and didn't have an impact option out wide in 2024. The Nittany Lions moved swiftly to overhaul the position, also adding Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy), but Pena was the clear-cut top receiving threat in the spring portal. Pena has the skill set -- and the mettle -- to deliver in critical situations and be a go-to receiver for Drew Allar. Last season, Pena teamed with Kyle McCord at Syracuse to catch 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.
What to expect: Look for Pena to become Allar's consistent underneath checkdown target, particularly on key third-down conversions. Pena is versatile, reliable and slippery in tight quarters. Even if he doesn't match his 84-catch pace at Penn State, which doesn't pass nearly as often as Syracuse does, he should still replace some of the production and versatility void left behind by Warren. The sixth-year senior should catch on fast in Happy Valley despite missing spring practice. He'll be the reliable slot who dominates zone coverage with savvy route running and sudden breaks to create separation. Don't underestimate his quick impact in the return game as well.
Welcome aboard: These are college football's top newcomers
From top recruits to big-time transfers, these players look to impact the College Football Playoff hopefuls.
Why: While tight end Tyler Warren lined up everywhere and caught 104 passes for 1,223 yards last year, Penn State hasn't had a dominant wide receiver since Jahan Dotson and didn't have an impact option out wide in 2024. The Nittany Lions moved swiftly to overhaul the position, also adding Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy), but Pena was the clear-cut top receiving threat in the spring portal. Pena has the skill set -- and the mettle -- to deliver in critical situations and be a go-to receiver for Drew Allar. Last season, Pena teamed with Kyle McCord at Syracuse to catch 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.
What to expect: Look for Pena to become Allar's consistent underneath checkdown target, particularly on key third-down conversions. Pena is versatile, reliable and slippery in tight quarters. Even if he doesn't match his 84-catch pace at Penn State, which doesn't pass nearly as often as Syracuse does, he should still replace some of the production and versatility void left behind by Warren. The sixth-year senior should catch on fast in Happy Valley despite missing spring practice. He'll be the reliable slot who dominates zone coverage with savvy route running and sudden breaks to create separation. Don't underestimate his quick impact in the return game as well.
