Honestly, if you go back and watch the 2017 Rose Bowl, you aren't just watching a football game. You’re watching a heist. Chris Godwin basically spent four quarters stealing the lunch money of every defensive back USC put in front of him. That game—nine catches, 187 yards, and two scores—wasn't just a "good game." It was the definitive proof that the kid from Delaware was destined for the NFL long before he ever wore a Buccaneers jersey.
People tend to forget how pivotal Chris Godwin was for Penn State during a time when the program was desperately trying to claw its way back to national relevance. He wasn't the loudest guy in the room. He didn't have the flashy social media presence of some modern-day stars. He just caught everything.
The Recruitment: A Delaware Gem in Happy Valley
Recruiting is a weird science. Sometimes you get a five-star who disappears, and sometimes you get a four-star like Godwin who plays like he was built in a lab. Coming out of Middletown High School in Delaware, Chris Godwin was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year. He had offers from everywhere—Ohio State, Stanford, you name it.
But he chose Penn State in 2013, a time when the program was still navigating the aftermath of heavy sanctions. It was a gutsy move. He committed to Bill O'Brien, but he stayed for James Franklin. That loyalty paid off. Most recruits would’ve jumped ship when the coaching staff flipped, but Godwin stayed put. He wanted to be the guy who brought the Nittany Lions back.
He finished his high school career with over 700 yards in every single season. Think about that. Consistency isn't something you usually see in teenagers, but Godwin had it in spades. When he arrived in State College, he didn't wait around. He played in all 13 games as a freshman. It wasn't a massive breakout year—338 yards on 26 catches—but he showed glimpses. He saved the best for the Pinstripe Bowl, torching Boston College for 140 yards. That was the first sign: this kid is a "Big Game" player.
2015: The 1,000-Yard Breakout
By 2015, the secret was out. You couldn't just leave Chris Godwin in single coverage and expect to have a good Saturday. He became only the third receiver in Penn State history to hit the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. The other two? Bobby Engram and Allen Robinson. That’s elite company in Happy Valley.
He racked up 1,101 yards and five touchdowns that year. What made it impressive wasn't just the yardage; it was the way he got it. Christian Hackenberg was the quarterback then, and the offense was, well, struggling. The line couldn't protect, and the scheme was often stagnant. Yet, Godwin found ways to get open. He became the ultimate safety valve.
"He’s a special player, no doubt about it," James Franklin once said. "The catch where he reached behind and made an unbelievable catch... he's a special player."
Godwin had five games with at least 100 yards that season. He was a contested-catch machine. If the ball was in the air and it was a 50/50 situation, it was more like 80/20 in Godwin's favor. He had this uncanny ability to use his 6-foot-1, 209-pound frame to shield defenders. He didn't just catch the ball; he took it.
The Rose Bowl Masterclass and the 2016 Run
The 2016 season was pure magic for Penn State. They won the Big Ten. They went on a nine-game winning streak. And while Saquon Barkley was the thunder and Trace McSorley was the heart, Chris Godwin was the cold-blooded assassin on the perimeter.
He ended that season with 11 touchdowns, a junior record at PSU. But the stats don't tell the whole story. You have to look at the moments. The Michigan State game where he caught two scores. The way he manipulated safeties in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin.
Then came the Rose Bowl.
If you want to explain Chris Godwin Penn State legacy to someone, just show them the third quarter of that game. USC's Iman Marshall—a high-level NFL prospect himself—was draped all over him. McSorley chucked a prayer down the sideline. The ball was tipped. It was bobbled. It looked like an interception. Instead, Godwin tracked it, tipped it to himself while spinning, and raced 72 yards for a touchdown.
It was one of those "did he just do that?" moments. He finished with 187 yards, a school record for a bowl game. He left it all on the grass in Pasadena. Even though the Nittany Lions lost 52-49 in a heartbreaker, Godwin’s stock went through the roof.
The NFL Combine: Proving the "Sneaky" Speed
After the Rose Bowl, everyone knew he was going pro. But the "experts" had a concern. Was he fast enough? They called him a "possession receiver." They said he lacked elite separation speed.
Then he went to the 2017 NFL Combine and ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash.
People were stunned. Mike Mayock called it the most impressive 40 time of the day. It wasn't just the speed, though. He put up 19 reps on the bench press (tying for second among receivers) and had a 36-inch vertical. He proved he was an elite athlete, not just a guy who "knew how to play."
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Why the Chris Godwin Penn State Era Still Matters
We see a lot of great receivers come through the Big Ten. But Godwin was different because of his unselfishness. He was arguably the best blocking receiver in college football. He would crack down on a linebacker to spring Saquon Barkley for a 50-yard run and celebrate like he’d scored the touchdown himself.
He finished his PSU career fourth in receiving yards (2,404) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (18). He did that in only three seasons. If he’d stayed for his senior year, he likely would’ve shattered every record in the book.
What You Can Learn From Godwin’s Journey
- Big Games Matter: If you want to be remembered, show up when the lights are brightest. Godwin’s best games were almost always in bowl games or against top-ranked opponents.
- Versatility is Key: Don't just be a "fast guy" or a "strong guy." Godwin worked on his route running, his blocking, and his hands. That’s why he succeeded in Tampa Bay immediately.
- Loyalty Pays Off: Staying through the coaching change and the post-sanction era built a legacy at Penn State that a transfer portal move never could.
How to Follow the Next "Godwin" at Penn State
If you're looking for the next great Nittany Lion receiver, keep an eye on how the program recruits the "X" receiver position. They look for guys with that specific Godwin-esque build: over 200 pounds, high-point ability, and a willingness to block.
You should also check out the Penn State All-Time leaders list every season. It's wild to see how Godwin's numbers hold up even as the college game becomes more pass-heavy. He set a standard for what a "complete" receiver looks like in State College.
Next time you’re watching a Saturday game in Beaver Stadium, remember #12. He wasn't just a part of the comeback; he was the one catching the passes that made it possible.
To really dive into the history, you should look up the full highlights of the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl, the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl, and the 2017 Rose Bowl. In those three games alone, he recorded 460 receiving yards. That’s a career for some guys. For Chris Godwin, it was just another day at the office.