Is James Franklin the most overrated coach in college football right now? Does the head coach even deserve another shot at proving himself? These are some questions that were circulating (although in quite harsh language) on the internet after Franklin allegedly argued with a fan after their spring game. The questions were harsh, to the point, and maybe unfair on some occasions. But all of them pointed to one statement: Is patience running thin for Penn State nation as far as James Franklin is concerned? Well, James Franklin’s debacles are not unknown, but he is also doing everything in his might to turn around his fortunes this year. The acquisition of Trebor Pena recently from Syracuse was not just a regular transfer; it might be a statement from Franklin to all of those critics. But what if there comes a catch?

“We paid him enough. He was going to get paid more. There were some numbers that were asked to me that I didn’t feel I would be able to do and move on…. I treated him right, did everything that was needed, and I just said, ‘Yo, you got to go.” This was Syracuse head coach Fran Brown openly berating Pena for allegedly demanding $2 million in NIL money. The negotiations were short and scrupulous as Pena, who was declared team captain after their spring game and even given a non-contact jersey, decided to follow the money.

James Franklin and Pena both had mutual interests to begin with, as the player entered the transfer portal. Franklin was looking for players to provide quality in his struggling receiver room last season. Pena, on the other hand, was desperately seeking a program and possibly a head coach who could provide him with the necessary $2 million. We don’t know how much the head coach paid, but it couldn’t be less than $2 million. The player does come after a season in which he received more than 900 yards along with 70+ rushing yards, so there might be hope finally in the receiver room. But if Zach Seyko, the host of ‘Locked on Syracuse,’ is to be believed, it might not be all green in Penn State’s camp after Pena’s arrival.

“He’s (Trebor Pena) not a focal point in this Penn State offense. They asked to share reps and targets with Kyron Hudson, from USC, and Devonte Ross from Troy. With those two NFL-caliber running backs back in the fold, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. It’s the fact that Penn State’s going to be so balanced across the board with where the football goes through….I just don’t want people to get disappointed when paying you (Trebor Pena) is, in reality, the third passing option, after Kayrton, Hudson and Devonte Ross, and probably Luke Reynolds, the up-and-coming five-star tight end.”

The verdict may seem a bit excessive, but the insider could have a valid point. Both Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson are top-quality receivers and are likely to be prioritized over Pena. Last year, Hudson recorded 462 receiving yards for the USC Trojans, while Devonte Ross surpassed 1,000 receiving yards along with 35 rushing yards. Additionally, 53.5% of Penn State’s plays were run-heavy last season. This means that Kaytron Allen, who had over 1,000 rushing yards and 153 receiving yards in 2024, along with Nicholas Singleton, who recorded 1,100 rushing yards and 375 receiving yards, will likely be the leading players this year. This situation raises a question: Where will Pena fit in? And, most importantly, was such a significant investment warranted?

Trebor Pena opens up on his Syracuse departure

Despite all the concerns regarding Pena’s place in James Franklin’s squad, the player is undoubtedly extremely talented. The wide receiver thrived in Jeff Nixon’s pass-heavy offense and provided Kyle McCord reception after reception as Syracuse defied expectations the whole season. Pena’s development under Fran Brown was also remarkable, as the player didn’t manage to do much under previous head coach Dino Babers. So, despite the whole NIL controversy, the player is still grateful for his time at Syracuse.

Pena, speaking in a recent interview, cleared the air regarding all the criticisms about his abrupt departure. “I came out as a man because I spent 5 years there, and it really changed me, and I had a lot of ups and downs over there, but I don’t regret anything I did. I’m happy I did my time there. It’s just I feel like that chapter’s closed and it’s time to start the next one.”

Well, looking at things from Pena’s perspective, the move can be justifiable, too. The player was entering his last year of eligibility and had the last chance to secure a good money deal, as an NFL future usually is uncertain. So, the player did what anyone might do. But yes, Pena’s departure has hit Fran Brown and Syracuse hard, and the program would likely need an aggressive transfer strategy to make up for the WR’s loss.