Penn State and its fans got one of the things they were looking for Monday evening by getting a receiver from the transfer portal, and hereโs another one for them to keep an eye on.
Kyron Hudson, who played four seasons at USC before entering the portal and visited PSU over the weekend, announced his commitment.
But for many Penn State fans, one isnโt enough, so there are other names to keep an eye on.
One of them is Malachi Fields. Fields is a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder who played his first four seasons at the University of Virginia. He has one season of eligibility left, and per a report by Jacquie Franciulli of 247Sports, has entered the transfer portal.
REUNITED?
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Marques Hagans
If Fields is interested in Penn State, a big reason is undoubtedly the relationship with his old position coach. Marques Hagans recruited Fields to UVA and coached him through his first two seasons. As a true freshman, Fields played in 11 of UVAโs 12 games, catching 11 passes for 172 yards. The next season, Fields only played in one game due to injury, which is why he still has another year of eligibility. After 2022, Hagans left UVA for Penn State and Fields stayed in his hometown of Charlottesville.
The next season, Fields, now an upperclassman, had his best year yet. He picked up 811 yards and five touchdowns on 58 catches. In 2024, he put up similar numbers (808 yards, five touchdowns on 55 receptions). Now, heโs another option for Penn State out of the transfer portal.
WHAT HAGANS HAS SAID
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 23: Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Malachi Fields (8) hauls in a pass then rushes upfield attempting to evade SMU Mustangs defensive back Isaiah Nwokobia (23) during a college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the Virginia Cavaliers on November 23, 2024, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire)
When Fields was coming out of Monticello High School, Rivals.com rated him as a two-star recruit, meaning he was overlooked.
Hagans was happy about that because it meant that UVA didnโt have much competition.
โIโm glad they ranked him that, and Iโm glad everybody passed on him,โ Hagans told UVAโs Website, โbecause weโre very lucky to have him.โ
Will he have him again?
Penn State plays SMU in its first-ever playoff game Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on TNT and HBO Max.
