Kaden Saunders, a wide receiver at Penn State, has had a challenging career. And it was revealed on Saturday that Saunders’ path to being influential became even more difficult.
Due to his “long-term” injury, Saunders will miss the majority of the 2025 campaign. The news was initially reported on Saturday morning by Blue-White Illustrated.
A few hours later, Saunders, the redshirt junior who has struggled with injuries since arriving as a highly-touted recruit, was discussed by wide receivers coach Marques Hagans.
“Injuries are the toughest and most unfortunate aspect of football, and he’s really had his share of them,” Hagans said during Saturday’s team media day. “You could call it bad luck. It’s just tough to watch him go through all of it. But he’s fighting through. He’s keeping a positive mindset and staying engaged with the team.”
Penn State completed its third fall camp practice on Saturday evening, and despite being sidelined, Saunders has remained active on the sideline, with Hagans noting that he’s been vocal and making an effort to stay involved.
“That’s a good sign,” Hagans continued. “But I know it’s far from easy. I’m just hoping he heals quickly. I really feel for him.”
Saunders joined Penn State as part of its highly acclaimed 2022 recruiting class, entering the program as one of the most highly touted players in the nation. Hailing from Ohio, he was rated by 247 Sports as the No. 12 wide receiver and the No. 77 overall recruit in that year’s class.
Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, and Dani Dennis-Sutton were the only Penn State recruits ranked higher than him. Saunders has found it difficult to have the same effect on the Nittany Lions.
As a freshman, Saunders need time to physically adjust. In his second season, he had some glimpses as the team’s punt returner. However, Saunders only played in four games due to lower-body injuries last season, when there were plays to be earned at receiver.
In his 19 games as a player, Saunders has only caught eight passes for 77 yards.