Athletic reporter reveals major concern about Penn State position group coach James Franklin has final say in

Penn State is on the verge of something special next fall but it can only happen if its coach, James Franklin, can get his team over the hump. It’s likely a national championship year or a colossal failure with who it has returning to State College.

According to The Athletic’s Antonio Morales, the Nittany Lions essentially have every major skill piece covered except their wide receiver room, he wrote.

Penn State has to upgrade at wide receiver, though,” Morales wrote. “This note will be circulated widely throughout the offseason: No Nittany Lions receiver caught a pass in their backbreaking Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals.”

“Penn State cleared out its receiver group after the loss. Its top two wideouts from 2024 — Harrison Wallace III (Ole Miss) and Omari Evans (Washington) — found new homes.”

Although the Nittany Lions got help in the transfer portal, Morales wrote he fears Troy transfer wideout Devonte Ross and USC’s Kyron Hudson won’t be able to replicate the same success their former tight end, Tyler Warren, was able to accomplish from a pass-catching perspective – including eight touchdowns and just over 1,200 yards.

“Are those additions enough to upgrade the position and help offset the loss of All-American tight end Tyler Warren, who was by far the best pass catcher on the team last season and had twice as many receptions as the next player on the team?” Morales asked.

Those questions remain unanswered as the Nittany Lions attempt to return to the College Football Playoff again, moving closer to championship success with a national title appearance – something they haven’t experienced since 1986.

For now, it’s up to Franklin to deliver on his overarching long-term goal before Penn State fans begin to turn on him for not winning the big games – again.