Syracuse Star Shocks Fans: Chooses Penn State Over Powerhouse Programs, Unveils Future Plans

As an old hat in the digital realm, particularly in the cutthroat arena of sports content, I’ve seen players make pivots before—From trading goals to chasing draft prospects, from one coaching strategy to the next. But, this latest move by Syracuse standout Trebor Pena, which I caught wind of yesterday, kind of punches through the headlines like a late game-winning touchdown. The big announcement came right before Penn State’s Blue-White scrimmage—a last-second play-call if you will, giving the Penn State squad’s receiving game, which they’ve admittedly struggled with lately, a Buffalo-like boost. The whole strategy, the transfer, the timing—just as the annual spring game was set to kick off at Beaver Stadium, had everyone on the edge of their seats, ready to see how this last piece of the puzzle would fit into the Nittany Lions’ 2025 line-up…

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Spring awards: Safety Zakee Wheatley and offensive linemen Cooper Cousins and TJ Shanahan won Penn State’s top spring awards.Pena’s announcement, which came a few hours before the annual Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium, gives the Nittany Lions a boost at a position where they’ve struggled the last two seasons.
Since the end of last season, the Lions have added Pena, Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy) via the transfer portal. Hudson and Ross started with the first-team offense in the Blue-White Game.
“I was pleased with what we did this spring in the passing game,” Franklin said. “I was pleased with the wide receivers, not only the ones that have been on our roster. Hudson and Ross both have very bright futures.
“I prefer to stay away from that at this stage,” Penn State coach James Franklin said when asked about Pena’s announcement.
“I think we’re in good shape,” Franklin said, “but there are some concerns as well because we lost someone (Robinson) we did not anticipate losing. As you all know, we aren’t a big portal team, but we’re going to address some issues.
Originally Published: April 26, 2025 at 7:03 PM EDT
Cousins and Shanahan shared the Red Worrell Award, which goes to an outstanding offensive player.
“We’re trying to create as much competition at every position as we possibly can.”
Wheatley received the Jim O’Hora Award, which goes to an outstanding defensive player.
Kobe King, Penn State’s starting middle linebacker the last two seasons, was drafted Saturday by the Minnesota Vikings. Dominic DeLuca and Rojas are the returning starters.
Help at linebacker: Penn State apparently will look for a linebacker in the transfer portal to add depth to a thin position.
“If there is a linebacker out there that wants to be a part of our program, there’s an opportunity to join the room.”
Veterans Tony Rojas and DaKaari Nelson missed most or all of spring practice with injuries. Ta’Mere Robinson left the team and announced he would transfer to USC.
DeLuca, quarterback Drew Allar and defensive tackle Zane Durant won the Frank Patrick Total Commitment Awards.
The 6-0, 184-pound Pena caught 84 passes for 941 yards last season and was named to the All-Atlantic Conference second team. A fifth-year senior, he had 109 receptions for 1,212 yards and 10 TDs in his career for the Orange.
Tight end Khalil Dinkins, wide receiver Lyrick Samuel and running back Quinton Martin Jr. were the Touchdown King winners. Defensive tackle Owen Wafle and safety Antoine Belgrave-Shroter were the Takeaway King winners.
Kicker Gabe Nwosu took the Coaches Special Teams Award.

STATE COLLEGE – Syracuse wide receiver Trebor Pena, who caught nine touchdown passes last season, announced Saturday that he was transferring to Penn State.