Fri Apr 18 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Syracuse Football Coach Sends Star Receiver Packing Over Money and Concerns About New Quarterback

**Syracuse, NY** – Syracuse Orange football coach Fran Brown announced Wednesday that star wide receiver Trebor Pena has entered the transfer portal, citing a contract dispute and concerns about the team’s new quarterback. Brown, in an interview with ESPN Syracuse, stated that Pena requested a significantly higher salary than the team was willing to offer, a figure Brown deemed “outrageous.” He bluntly stated, “We paid him enough.”

Beyond the financial disagreement, Brown revealed that Pena voiced doubts about the capabilities of incoming quarterback Rickie Collins Jr., a transfer from LSU. Brown dismissed these concerns, emphasizing his confidence in Collins and stating that questioning the quarterback’s ability is not the receiver’s role. “That ain’t your freaking job,” Brown stated.

Pena’s departure comes after a stellar season where he accumulated 941 yards and nine touchdowns. While acknowledging Pena’s past contributions and stating he’ll be supportive after the 2025 season, Brown expressed belief that Pena’s concerns were misplaced and that the team’s offensive system will remain strong without him.

Brown expects more players to enter the transfer portal in the coming weeks, hinting at further roster changes. He also mentioned actively seeking a linebacker through the portal. The Orange will look to other receivers, including Darrell Gill Jr., Justus Ross-Simmons, Emanuel Ross, and Darius Johnson, to fill Pena’s role. Brown emphasized his confidence in his coaching staff and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon to overcome the loss. The coach’s stance underscores a firm policy against excessive compensation demands, with Brown stating he won’t pay a wide receiver “$2 million in college.”

Read More