Much was made about wide receiver throughout the 2025 season as the trio of imports in Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, and Devonte Ross did not take off.
Questions began to circle about true freshman Koby Howard and his lack of playing time early in the season.
After much deliberation, the Pensacola, Florida native has determined that he’ll be back in Blue and White having reaffirming his commitment to Penn State and head coach Matt Campbell Thursday night.
run it back. #WeAre pic.twitter.com/BOfh7kFM5e
— Koby Howard (@KobyHoward3) January 2, 2026
“I want to thank Coach Terry Smith for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents this year,” Howard said in his post.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Howard’s return is significant because he saw action in all seven games Smith coached this season.
In 2025, Howard had seven receptions for 133 yards in those seven games under Smith and demonstrated some potential top of the depth chart qualities even as a freshmen who didn’t see a lot of playing time.
His playing time should rise with a quality offseason and he should benefit largely from Campbell bringing in wide receivers coach Noah Pauley. Pauley has an excellent track record for developing receivers having produced both Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins who are both in the NFL.
Howard staying put gives the Nittany Lions another offensive weapon to join tight end Andrew Rappleyea who announced he’d be returning for the 2026 season.
