With Trevor Peña still weighing his options, Penn State appears to be eyeing another potential transfer: Keelan Marion, a former BYU wide receiver and elite return specialist.

Marion may not be a game-changing wideout, but he is one of the top special teams talents in the portal. The All-American returner averaged 26.2 yards per kick return and scored two touchdowns in 2024. For Penn State, his value is less about depth at wide receiver and more about transforming the return game.

Currently, Penn State leans on running backs like Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen for kick return duties. While effective, using top backs in these roles increases injury risk. Marion would offer immediate relief—and improvement. His speed and vision make him a natural fit in both kick and punt return schemes, aligning well with Penn State’s preference for skill players handling special teams duties.

Although 19 programs, including Ohio State and Texas, have expressed interest in Marion, Penn State has an opportunity to sell him on a dynamic role that goes beyond receiving. He could fill a gadget role in the offense, similar to how BYU used him in jet sweeps and end-arounds. With Drew Allar under center, Marion might even produce more as a pass-catcher than he did in previous stops.

Still, Marion isn’t a top-tier receiving option. If Penn State could land both Marion and Peña, it would address both offensive depth and special teams explosiveness. However, if it comes down to one or the other, Peña is the priority. Marion, though, is a luxury Penn State should pursue—especially with the increasing importance of field position in today’s game.