Penn State football’s annual Blue-White Game is set to take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday in a “non-traditional” format, according to head coach James Franklin.
The matchup will showcase the team’s roster in some capacity, giving fans their first look at the Nittany Lions inside Beaver Stadium since Dec. 21 against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Though it likely won’t resemble previous iterations of the spring game, it’ll provide an updated look at returning players and a first look at freshmen and transfers, several of which arrive with high expectations.
Here are five players to watch.
Devonte Ross
The Troy transfer wide receiver arrived in Happy Valley with high expectations, fresh off a 1,000-yard season with the Trojans.
Though he’s small in stature, listed at just 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, Ross’ speed allows him to create separation from defenders and rack up yards after the catch. Ross is a threat on short yardage passes and jet motion plays, something Penn State will look to utilize.
Ross projects as a starter for the Nittany Lions, and fans will have a first look at his speed on Saturday.
Kyron Hudson
Another transfer wide receiver, Kyron Hudson arrives from USC after three seasons where he totaled 57 receptions for 655 yards and five touchdowns.
Hudson has big-play ability, as displayed by a one-handed highlight-reel snag against LSU last season. Hudson also projects as a starter, and may make some impressive grabs on Saturday.
Cooper Cousins
Head coach James Franklin has previously stated offensive lineman Cooper Cousins will be “hard to keep off the field.”
Though he never cracked a starting role last season, Cousins saw playing time in a rotational role as a true freshman and was praised for his work ethic by coaches and teammates.
With the departure of guard JB Nelson via the transfer portal, Cousins will likely be a starter this season. Getting a look at the 6-foot-6, 308-pound lineman in Beaver Stadium will be fun for the fanbase.
Corey Smith
Established starters typically don’t see much time in spring games, and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are as established as it gets.
That leaves the door open for backups like Corey Smith to jump into the spotlight, showcasing his ability in front of the fanbase.
The coaching staff has said this spring one of the goals for the season is to establish a clear RB3, as Singleton and Allen will depart for the draft after 2025. Smith appears to be next in the pecking order and will likely see plenty of playing time.
Audavion Collins
Though he didn’t garner much attention last season in a rotational role, cornerback Audavion Collins is in the mix for a starting spot this season.
Collins has impressed throughout the winter and spring, earning praise from the coaching staff and showing significant improvement throughout the offseason.
Fans will get a chance to look at the new and improved cornerback, who may be starting come the fall.
