In his four-year career at USC, Kyron Hudson could best be described as just about serviceable. In a wide receiver room very much in flux throughout his career, Hudson really struggled to make a name for himself. That will certainly not be the case in Happy Valley. With expectations higher than ever for the Nittany Lions and with dire need of help at the position, Kyron Hudson, like it or not, will leave an indelible impact on the Nittany Lions’ 2025 season. Whether it’s a positive one remains to be seen. Here’s what could be in store for the former USC Trojan this season at Penn State.
2024 in Review
Kyron Hudson did just enough last season to potentially convince fans and pundits alike of his ability of his abilities to be a breakout candidate if not for USC, then another blueblood program. His 38 catches for 462 yards may not have stood out in a room with players such as Makai Lemon and the Branch brothers, but it did enough for a team like Penn State to covet him. What Penn State fans can certainly appreciate is that he doesn’t need to be the man for him to be effective in this offense.
While Hudson is elite at creating separation, he’s not as speedy downfield as his fellow transfer portals in Ross and Pena. If Hudson can just be effective enough in the short to intermediate areas of the field, he could be Drew Allar’s best friend in third-and-short situations. Look for his numbers to improve as well, especially with the experience of Allar throwing to him.
Biggest Question for 2025
How does Kyron Hudson’s game translate to the Nittany Lions? Penn State certainly is looking for any kind of help they can at the position, but the hardest part of doing that is finding a correct balance. While Ross and Pena profile as the downfield specialists and potential gadget players they covet, Hudson could be seen as an unusual pickup. No one trait truly stands out in Hudson’s game. With the standard of performance now heightened, Hudson and Kotelnicki have to figure out the perfect usage for him in this offense.
The best-case scenario for Hudson’s success is to allow him to thrive in zone coverages where he can better exploit softer coverages and try to create after the catch rather than as a downfield threat. Also look for there to be a happy medium as Kotelnicki could see Hudson thrive in intermediate areas of the field to better improve that aspect of Allar’s game. Look for Hudson to potentially become Kotelnicki’s secret weapon.
2025 will be a success if…
Kyron Hudson is simply serviceable enough in big moments to be a real X factor in this offense. While I don’t genuinely believe that he will emerge as a true No. 1 he has the most tantalizing attributes of the transfer trio. Sometimes certain games will require Hudson’s more physical style of play, especially against the Big Ten’s elite. It will be the work of Hudson along with Kotelnicki and Allar to find spots for Hudson to enjoy success. While it may not be often, it could be highly effective for the Nittany Lions.
Overall, I don’t expect Hudson’s numbers to inflate by that much. What matters more for him is playing the role that suits him best when things get tight for the Nittany Lions.
2025 will be a disappointment if…
Hudson is simply a non-factor. Playing in a bit role for USC in a period of transition is drastically dissimilar to what he will be stepping into for Penn State. 462 yards certainly will not cut it, especially if you’re getting limited snaps which one would expect Hudson will be getting. As much as that may be Hudson’s game, making the most of very little, fans will certainly become impatient should his productivity wane.
This will be the story all season long for Hudson. This is now one of the most hopeful wide receiver rooms in recent Penn State history. Thus, it’s not just on Ross and Pena to deliver, but everyone including Hudson. Stakes will certainly be high, and Hudson will have to fully understand to be as effective as he possibly can for Penn State.
Realistic Outlook for 2025
Expect Hudson to hover right around where he was last year with the Trojans: 35-40 catches, 450-500 yards, and potentially a couple of touchdowns. What will matter most is when and how he does it. Realistically, fans would probably like a complementary performance from a No. 3 receiver should Ross and Pena flourish. Thus, if Hudson can give them relief, delivering similar stats to his Trojan days, then that just might be good enough in terms of personal goals for the transfer.
Obviously, winning a championship, especially as a transfer, is paramount to how his season is viewed anyway. Like with all three transfer receivers, one you step on the field in Happy Valley, you have to know what you’re stepping into no matter your role. It won’t be enough for Hudson to rack up the yards going through the motions. He has to play his role well and effectively in order for it to matter.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What’s in Store for Kyron Hudson in 2025