ESPN is predicting a big 2023 campaign for incoming transfer receiver Dante Cephas.

Cephas, who transferred in from Ken State earlier this offseason, is ESPN’s preseason pick to be Penn State’s top newcomer in 2023. On Monday, ESPN predicted who the top newcomer would be for every team in its way-too-early top 25.

Penn State had several potential options, including transfer cornerback Storm Duck, incoming freshman Elliot Washington and transfer receiver Malik McClain. ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren explained why Cephas earned the nod:

​​The Nittany Lions have done a really good job of balancing high school prospects and transfers this cycle and have a few different choices that could fit for the top newcomer. Corner Storm Duck, who transferred in from North Carolina, could be the pick as he’ll help replace Joey Porter Jr.. Elliot Washington, the No. 4 safety in the 2023 class, could also be the pick, but Penn State really needed playmakers on offense, and so the choice is Kent State receiver transfer Dante Cephas. He had 744 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season and will give quarterback Drew Allar a big target at receiver to go along with Florida State transfer Malik McClain

Cephas is coming off of a standout year at Kent State. He was a highly-regarded transfer receiver this cycle and Penn State beat out several top programs to earn his signature.

Cephas has recorded 1,984 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over the past 2 seasons with Kent State.

Penn State finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record.