WR
Redshirt Freshman
Each section identifies whether the numbers cover one season or a career, plus the school and source used.
Season totals / Penn State
Source: Penn State Athletics / Source checked October 7, 2026
Through Buffalo, Robinson had five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown, plus 172 punt-return yards. At Northwestern he caught two passes for 24 yards and returned two kickoffs for 41 yards. Receiving, punt returns and kickoff returns are separate totals.
Zay Robinson followed the Iowa State staff to Penn State after three appearances for the Cyclones in 2025. His first three Penn State games in 2026 gave him two measurable roles: receiver and returner. He caught five passes for 80 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown against Marshall.
Robinson also returned 13 punts for 172 yards and three kickoffs for 58 yards through Buffalo. Eight of the punt returns came against Buffalo, producing 109 yards in that game. Penn State noted that no player in the program had gained more punt-return yards in one game since Daequan Hardy’s 129 against UMass in 2023.
Those returns are distinct from his receiving line and should not be presented as receiving yards. They show an early special-teams contribution while his five catches establish some offensive use. His later target share and return duties should be assessed from new game records rather than projected from the three-game sample.
Sources checked October 7, 2026