Most programs across the CFB sphere are microwaving their way to success. The advent of the transfer portal helps facilitate instantaneous success. Coach Prime in Colorado is the epitome of this. This process can become a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Before you realize it, you’ve actually been on a carousel. Moving in circles but staying in one spot. Within the midst of this modernization of the sport, one program is embracing tradition. Penn State and James Franklin aren’t seeking to procure talent. They’re seeking to develop it. Coach Franklin has identified 4-star recruit Davion Brown as one such talent.
James Franklin is, very conspicuously, building his core roster through high school recruitment. He’s preaching continuity, and the fact he’s managed to keep together the 3-headed monster of RBs Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton, and Drew Allar for another season is a proponent of this continuity. However, one position group was the Nittany Lions’ Achilles heel last season. In fact, it’s been for a while now. The wide receivers often leave a lot to be desired. The underlying issues last season transpired into a zero-catch game for their entire receiving corps in the Orange Bowl. It’s what ultimately cost James Franklin a trip to the Natty. He’s trying to make amends for this frequent blind spot in his rosters going forward. But the issues persist.
Davion Brown is the 19th-best WR in the class of ‘26, according to 247Sports. The 6’3, 190 pass-catcher has announced his final shortlist of 5 schools in the reckoning to recruit him. This includes Georgia, Syracuse, Duke, Michigan, and Penn State. James Franklin will be pleased to have made the club, albeit the competition is strong. Davion Brown has already been to State College. However, one PSU insider thinks they’re losing traction in this race. One major factor is Brown’s absence from Happy Valley on both Junior Days.
Over the Lions247 YouTube channel, Tyler Calvaruso discussed where the process for Davion Brown stands pertaining to PSU. “When it comes to Brown, quite frankly, I think Penn State’s a little bit of work to do coming into the official visit,” he said. “The goal is to get him back on campus during the spring as well. He didn’t visit for either of Penn State’s two Junior Days. He got an offer from Georgia that really caught his attention. I think that’s one to keep an eye on.” Calvaruso also spoke about how Davion Brown hasn’t been on campus in a while.
“You’ve got to build up a little bit of that momentum. Gotta get a little bit of it back, rather, I should say. Hopefully, get him to campus during the spring, and you make a strong impression heading into the official visit,” he proceeded. This revelation follows a worrying trend. While Penn State has a storied history of running backs under James Franklin, receivers have often been deterred from coming. Those who do and produce to a requisite level are also not staying put either. Tight end Tyler Warren papered over lots of cracks in the passing game. Franklin’s WR1 for 2024, Harrison Wallace III, has come to a similar conclusion.
James Franklin’s issues with the WR position precede Davion Brown’s recruitment
Harrison Wallace III hit the transfer portal and immediately became the most coveted player traversing it. Industry-standard On3 rated him no. 1 overall, and for good reason. Wallace garnered 720 yards to go with 4 house calls this year on merely 46 receptions. Over double of his production in the previous two seasons combined. For context, Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State had 71, and he shared them around with Egbuka and Tate. Wallace had 1,221 total yards across his PSU stint.
Harrison Wallace just wasn’t featured as much as his talent demands. Penn State was a run-first offense. James Franklin is generally perceived as someone pragmatic, who’s averse to an air show unless requisite. As a result, Wallace has chosen to link up with an HC renowned for his offensive enterprise. He joins Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels. Not only did Harrison Wallace bid adieu, but so did his fellow receiver, Omari Evans. The two players depart with about 70% of the total yardage PSU receivers had between them. The ones still remaining in Happy Valley only accounted for the remaining 30%.
If James Franklin wants to build Penn State into a true contender, he needs a more potent pass attack. Ohio State just showed us how a great receiving corps can overcome potential deficiencies at quarterback. Davion Brown’s recruitment is more than just a process for Franklin. It’s a statement of intent that will imply a lot about where the program is headed and whether they can build a passing attack proficiently. They’ll hope to make the imminent visits to State College count. 2025’s receiving room looks relatively bleak, but 2026 can still be salvaged.
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