Getty Image / Photo By CFP
Penn State nearly had the total package to win a national championship this season. The quarterback, while he struggled late, was more than good enough, the running game was elite, and the defense was as good as any. But, the wide receivers were not up to par.
It appears the room is being cleaned out. Two of the team’s top receivers this year, Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans, both announced their intention to enter the transfer portal on Tuesday as it appears that the Nittany Lions want to make wholesale changes to the room.
Penn State is getting a ton of players to return for their senior seasons next year. Quarterback Drew Allar, superstar running back tandem Nick Singleton and and Kaytron Allen, defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, and safety Zakee Wheatley, among others, are all forgoing the NFL Draft to return. All of those players would’ve been drafted, and a few of them pretty high. Like Michigan two years ago and possibly Ohio State this year, they’re hoping to run it back for a national title after falling a little bit short.
But, the wide receiver group has to be upgraded. The wide receivers didn’t catch a single pass in the team’s heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Semifinals last week. Yes, Drew Allar did not play well. But, wide receivers have been an issue for the Nittany Lions for two years now. They’ve cost the team more than one game.
Penn State already has transfer signees in USC’s Kyron Hudson and Troy’s Devonte Ross. Those guys should upgrade the room. They’re going to need to, as two of the top receivers this year are on the move.
BREAKING: Penn State starting WR Omari Evans plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’0 190 WR totaled 21 Receptions for 415 Yards & 5 TDs this season
Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/YIBTUUI2VM
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 14, 2025
BREAKING: Penn State WR Harrison Wallace plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’1 200 WR totaled 46 Receptions for 720 Yards & 4 TDs this season
1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/K5iLGy942s
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 14, 2025
Reserve wide receivers Mekhi Flowers and Tyler Johnson also have entered the portal. Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming is out of eligibility.
Given these departures, it seems that Penn State could be pretty active in the spring portal window. If they brought in a true number-one receiver, they could be the team to beat next year.