With multiple wide receivers jumping into the transfer portal, quarterback Drew Allar and the Penn State Nittany Lions desperately need wideouts to start filling the vacancies. Who could the team target to fill the void?
Nittany Lions WR Targets in the Transfer Portal
Fresh off the heels of a close national semifinal against Notre Dame, Penn State finds itself in a precarious position. The Nittany Lions watched as two key playmakers decided to enter the transfer portal.
On3.com broke the news that receivers Omari Evans and Harrison Wallace III were entering the portal. In 2024, the duo combined for 67 receptions, 1,135 yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. Thus, if head coach James Franklin wants to maintain last season’s elite offensive play, the program must go portal shopping.
Johntay Cook II (Texas/Washington)
Johntay Cook II makes big plays, as his career 17.1 yards per catch can attest. Now, things become tricky when you factor in Cook’s behavior.
After his stay in Texas, Cook broke the unspoken rule about discussing another player’s NIL deal. Then, he departed for Washington, staying just 17 days before leaping back into the portal.
Allar would benefit from Cook’s talent, but can the team prevent him from crashing out again? With the national championship just eluding their grasp, the Nittany Lions could view Cook as necessary and forget what transpired in Austin and Seattle.
Cortez Braham Jr. (West Virginia/Nevada)
After rejuvenating his career in the desert, Cortez Braham Jr. is looking for a new home with one year of eligibility remaining. Although his modest numbers (12.2 yards per catch, four touchdowns) don’t scream playmaker, a little context is necessary.
Braham served as the fifth option on a quarterback-challenged West Virginia squad before evolving into the third spot in Reno.
Braham, with Allar’s arm talent, could actually help both athletes. Teaming with four-star recruit Matthew Outten would allow the Nittany Lions diversity in the passing game. On a personal note, for Braham, it could serve as all the motivation needed to elevate his game to new levels.
Casey Cain (Texas/UNLV)
Much like Braham, who needed a sojourn to Nevada to spark what looked like a disappointing career, Casey Cain possesses a bit more upside that translates quicker for Allar.
While tallying only 16 collegiate catches, you can see flashes of a big-play wideout who can beat corners vertically. That comes in handy within a conference bent on stopping the run first.
Penn State will run the ball often. Under those circumstances, teams will stack the box, almost daring Allar to beat them over the top.
With one year of eligibility, Cain would give the end of the Allar era a nice sendoff and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year.
Dekel Crowdus (Kentucky/Hawaii)
Sporting a similar frame and explosion to Penn State legend Jahan Dotson, Dekel Crowdus brings vertical capability from the slot and the outside. With his size (5’10”, 180 pounds), the slot looks like the preferred spot. Crowdus will win on option routes and force the safety over the top to pay attention to him during those patterns.
The shortest of Crowdus’ four career touchdown catches is 29 yards. Of the names listed, Crowdus isn’t the most widely known, but he could become the one who reaches the end zone the most.
Baylin Brooks (San Diego State)
Unlike the majority of players on the list, Baylin Brooks represents the ability to contribute now and for the next couple of seasons. With three years of eligibility remaining, you could develop him on the fly.
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At 6’2″ and 195 pounds, Brooks brings size to an offense that could use a wideout with a bigger catch radius. During his time in San Diego, Brooks caught 17 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown. Pairing one of the other four with Brooks makes the most sense, as he gets his feet wet for a contender.
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