Penn State lands Syracuse transfer Trebor Pena, bolstering 2025 title hopes
Penn State has secured the commitment of Syracuse transfer wide receiver Trebor Pena, potentially positioning the Nittany Lions as a top contender for the 2025-2026 season.
The addition comes after Penn State reached the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals last season, where they lost to Notre Dame on a last-second field goal following an interception.
“In adding Trebor Pena, Penn State has a real case to enter 2025 as the No. 1 team in college football,” Ari Wasserman wrote.
Pena entered the transfer portal seeking a significant NIL deal, reportedly in the $2 million range.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown addressed Pena’s departure, saying: “You gonna make $2 million at wide receiver? That’s the homie at Ohio State (Jeremiah Smith). Ain’t nobody else making that money. I’m not giving no wide receiver $2 million in college. That ain’t me. I ain’t doing that unless they tell me we have a chance to have Travis Hunter come back to college. He can come here and play for us, then he gonna get some of my check.”
The offseason hasn’t been without challenges for Penn State. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen left for Clemson following their playoff appearance.
Head coach James Franklin was involved in a heated exchange with a fan during the spring game.
Despite these setbacks, Penn State has been active in the transfer portal, adding multiple receivers who could determine their championship potential.
“Transfer receivers Kyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Pena probably will determine whether the Nittany Lions are national title contenders or a very good team that makes the College Football Playoff but doesn’t make it until the end,” Andy Staples wrote.
The Nittany Lions’ recent transfer additions have strengthened their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
