Expectations are sky-high for Penn State this season, and for good reason. After narrowly missing a national title game appearance, James Franklin faces big pressure. But Franklin is optimistic, believing last season’s CFP run and B1G title chase will fuel their next chapter. With a strong roster of 27 commits and just 7 transfers, this season could finally be their championship moment. But all that buzz might quiet down after Tyler Warren’s NFL move, and Blake Ruffino was quick to point out a tough reality for Franklin.

The Colts kicked off their NFL draft by snagging James Franklin’s defensive weapon, Tyler Warren, with the No. 14 overall pick. Warren’s addition will likely be a big win for the Colts, given his track record. Remember Penn State’s overtime victory against USC? Warren didn’t just set a program record but also tied an FBS record for tight ends with 17 receptions for 224 yards. But now that he’s gone pro, the team’s offense desperately needs playmakers.

And Blake Ruffino highlighted exactly that on his The Ruffino & Joe Show—Weekly College Football podcast. Ruffino started by praising Tyler Warren but warned James Franklin against repeating last season’s mistake. “My favorite player in the draft and Tyler Warren leaves, you needed a weapon that you could throw the ball to. Now, with the speed that you have with (DeVonte) Ross, with the physicality that you have with (Kyron) Hudson, and the smoothness—now, you brought up a really good point about (Trebor) Pena. You can’t do what you did to Penn State a year ago.”

We all remember Penn State’s passing game struggles last season. That costly interception throw by Drew Allar with just 33 seconds left snatched their championship hopes. That’s Ruffino’s point: “What happened to Penn State? You and I both know this—a lot of one-safety high was being run. Notre Dame—I mean, Notre Dame just did whatever they wanted. They went man-to-man, put one free high, and it didn’t really matter. Why wouldn’t they? Why wouldn’t they stack the box? They needed to. They’ve got a little bit of some weapons now.”

Such costly mistakes can’t happen again. And while James Franklin might not have a top-tier receiving force, Trebor Pena’s addition could be a game-changer. “To your point, I don’t know if they have a bona fide number-one overall guy, like a number-one receiver—a guy that’ll go in the first round. But Trebor Peña, in my ACC rankings of receiver/running backs, he was on my list….they’ve revamped their wide receiver room. Now, I don’t know if any one of them scares you. Like, I think Peña could. Peña’s got some skins on the wall.” That could very well be true.

This guy has an impressive background. Starting 10 games for Syracuse’s pass-heavy offense last season, he set a conference record for receptions. That’s right, 84 catches for 941 yards and nine touchdowns. Plus, Pena earned second-team all-conference honors after ranking 13th nationally in total receptions. He’s the playmaker James Franklin’s team arguably needs most. But just adding one strong player won’t guarantee Penn State’s success.

Pressure mounts with James Franklin’s new addition

Blake Ruffino’s likely right. Trebor Pena could be a game-changer for Penn State. His 6’1″, 184-pound frame seems perfect as a slot receiver who can make catches all over the field. Plus, he also returned kickoffs and punts for Syracuse last season, averaging 27 yards per kick and 8 yards per punt in his career. Sounds like a steal, right?

But here’s the catch: on April 27th, Zach Seyko of Locked on Nittany Lions directly addressed Trebor Pena’s potential starting role. While many expect him to start immediately, Seyko cautioned against it, saying, “I still think there’s going to be a time adjustment,” he said. “You have to bring him in and get him situated because he missed all of spring camp. That’s an opportunity to, like I said with Ross and Hudson, build chemistry, learn the playbook, and get in sync with Drew Allar.” Seyko rightly pointed out that missing spring practice is a big deal for any newcomer.

Now, James Franklin does have the entire fall to build that chemistry. But Seyko says, “It’s not impossible, but it’s an uphill battle.” Even with Pena’s talent, he can’t instantly contribute at full speed. Although he’s projected to start, there’s a learning curve. Developing that connection with Allar, mastering the playbook, and getting the timing down—Pena will have to work hard, just like anyone else fighting for a starting spot.

Look, Trebor Pena only has one year of eligibility left, which suggests James Franklin is making a calculated gamble with him, likely aiming for a championship push. Even Penn State wide receivers coach Marques Hagans echoed this sentiment: “I think the objective is to be the best in the country at every position, and we’re working to become that. And until we become that, then yes, we do need help at receiver.”

Pena, Hudson, and Ross might not suddenly make Penn State better than Ohio State or Michigan, but they definitely beef up that receiving crew. With Hudson’s reliable hands, Ross’s speed, and Pena’s skills, the WR room is way more promising than it was back in January.