Penn State’s wide receiver group was a clear weak spot during the 2024-25 season, culminating in a major letdown in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame—where not a single wideout recorded a catch in the biggest game of the year.
Had Omari Evans or Harrison Wallace III made an impact, the Orange Bowl outcome might have been different. Sure, Drew Allar’s costly interception was also a turning point, but when projecting breakout players for the upcoming 2025-26 season, Allar isn’t necessarily the main focus. He’ll be a key figure, no doubt, but with so much returning talent and leadership, the spotlight shifts to someone who can truly elevate this team from where it fell short last year.
For college football analyst David Pollack, that difference-maker is wide receiver Devonte Ross.
Appearing on See Ball Get Ball, Pollack named Ross as Penn State’s top player to watch this season. After the Lions’ postseason struggles, head coach James Franklin aggressively pursued reinforcements through the transfer portal—and landed three notable receivers: Ross (Troy), Trebor Pena (Syracuse), and Kyron Hudson (USC). Among them, Pollack believes Ross stands out.
“They need top-level play at that position,” Pollack said. “[Ross] could be that outside threat with real experience.”
Ross arrives in Happy Valley after a standout junior season at Troy, where he was named First-Team All-Sun Belt as both a receiver and all-purpose player, and Second-Team as a return specialist. He finished fifth nationally in touchdown receptions (11), with 76 catches for 1,043 yards—marks that rank among the top in Troy program history.
While transitioning from a Group of Five program to a Power Four school will be a challenge, Ross steps into a strong environment: a seasoned quarterback, solid offensive line, and veteran support across the offense. That context gives him the tools to be an immediate impact player—someone capable of pushing Penn State past its 2024 limitations.
The coaching staff knew what they were getting in all three receiver transfers, and the early signs have been positive. Strength coach Chuck Losey emphasized that the main goal during summer workouts was getting Ross, Pena, and Hudson acclimated to the team’s culture—not just testing their physical skills. For Ross in particular, he already boasts more production than Penn State’s previous top receiver, Wallace III, finishing last season with 323 more receiving yards in fewer games.
“They’ve been awesome for our receiver room,” quarterback Drew Allar said at Big Ten Media Days. “They came in, kept their heads down, and worked. No entitlement. They earned everyone’s respect—offense, defense, and coaches. They’re unselfish. I’m really excited.”
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