Penn State head coach James Franklin has long been vocal about the lack of attention given to his wide receiver group. At his Orange Bowl press conference this week, he reiterated his point, claiming that not enough positive stories have been written about the unit, especially in light of the criticism they’ve faced.
“There hasn’t been enough coverage of how important they’ve been,” Franklin remarked. “There were plenty of articles about the struggles, but they’ve been a huge part of our season and development. In a time where every receiver wants 80 catches and a thousand yards, they’ve sacrificed their stats for the team.”
Throughout the season, Penn State’s wide receiver group has faced challenges, with inconsistencies at times that hurt the offense’s ability to stretch the field. Franklin’s comments highlight a deeper understanding of the position, one that goes beyond numbers like targets, receptions, and touchdowns. Things like run blocking, drawing defenders away, and running precise routes may not show up on the stat sheet but are crucial to the team’s success.
However, the wide receivers made a statement in the Fiesta Bowl, particularly Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans. While both had better statistical games earlier in the season—Wallace had a strong opener against West Virginia and Evans shone against Kent State—the Fiesta Bowl showcased their best collective performance. Quarterback Drew Allar connected with them for eight targets, showing an improved ability to push the ball downfield.
Evans hauled in two receptions for 55 yards, including a pivotal 38-yard touchdown to give Penn State a commanding two-possession lead. Wallace had three receptions for 37 yards, but two of those catches resulted in crucial first downs, proving his value in critical moments.
Franklin was quick to praise his receivers in his postgame comments, focusing on their development and contributions beyond just big numbers. “Look at the year Trey [Wallace] has had. He’s been dealing with injuries but is playing at a high level. Omari has really embraced his role and Julian made some huge catches against USC that we’re not here without. These guys might not have flashy stats, but they’ve been excellent blockers and made explosive plays when we needed them.”
Indeed, the play from the wide receiver group has vastly improved from last season, when they struggled to gain separation and weren’t able to compete physically with elite secondaries. This year, while much of the attention has gone to tight end Tyler Warren, who set a school record for receptions, and running back Nicholas Singleton, it’s the wide receivers—particularly Wallace and Evans—who’ve played a pivotal role in Penn State’s success.
In the Big Ten Championship Game against Oregon, the wide receivers showcased their ability to stretch the field vertically, which in turn helped open up the ground game. Wallace and Evans each scored highlight-reel touchdowns, forcing Oregon’s defense to respect the passing attack, and allowing the running game to flourish.
Franklin emphasized how vital their role has been in the team’s overall success: “Without those two, our running backs wouldn’t be getting the yards they’ve had. The fact we’ve been able to stretch the field with our receivers has had a huge impact on our running game.”
As Penn State enters the Orange Bowl with a chance to compete for its first national championship since 1986, the performance of the wide receivers will be pivotal. If they continue to make strides, Penn State’s offense will remain balanced and dangerous, giving them a legitimate shot at the title.
For wide receivers coach Marques Hagans, the Orange Bowl will be the moment of truth. Is his group finally ready to take its place as a core component of the offense, or is there still work to be done before the 2025 season? With promising new talent like Kyron Hudson (Southern California) and Devonte Ross (Troy) joining the mix, as well as the return of Wallace, Evans, and promising young players like Tyseer Denmark, the future of Penn State’s wide receiver room looks bright—but their performance in the Orange Bowl will determine just how soon they’re ready to become the stars of the offense.
