Next season under Fran Brown, the departure of Trebor Pena marks both an end and a beginning. For Pena, it’s the start of a new chapter at a new school—an opportunity to showcase his skills and leadership in a fresh environment
For Brown, it’s a reaffirmation of the culture he’s trying to build: one grounded in accountability, discipline, and realistic expectations.
Both men will be closely watched in the months ahead. Pena, to see where his journey takes him next; Brown, to see whether he can continue to elevate Syracuse while standing firm in an increasingly complex football landscape.
Whatever happens, their brief but impactful time together has already shaped the future of Orange football—and may offer lessons for programs across the country navigating the new era of college athletics.
As NIL opportunities continue to grow, so too does the responsibility of guiding young athletes through this new financial frontier. Fran Brown isn’t waiting for someone else to take the lead—he’s setting a new standard himself.
By combining practical education with firm expectations, Brown is giving his players more than just the chance to earn money. He’s giving them the tools to keep it, grow it, and use it wisely.
In doing so, he’s not just shaping athletes—he’s shaping futures.
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Table of Contents
Fran Brown: Head Coaching at Syracuse University
A New Era for Syracuse Football
When Fran Brown accepted the head coaching job at Syracuse University, few could have predicted the immediate impact he would make.1
Known for his defensive acumen and strong recruiting ties, Brown brought a fresh energy to a program that had been searching for consistency.
In his first season, he led the Syracuse Orange to an impressive 10-3 record and a Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State—a feat that reignited hope and excitement among fans and alumni alike.
Brown’s success wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about culture change. He emphasized toughness, accountability, and a commitment to team-first principles.
One of the more intriguing narratives to emerge from Brown’s inaugural season was the role played by wide receiver Trebor Pena—a veteran player with a versatile skillset who had been part of the program since 2020.
Trebor Pena: A Veteran Presence
Trebor Pena arrived at Syracuse during a different era, recruited under former head coach Dino Babers. Over the course of five seasons, Pena evolved from a special teams standout into a reliable wide receiver.
He accumulated 1,212 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns during his tenure, often coming through in key moments for the Orange.
Pena was more than just a numbers guy. His leadership, experience, and work ethic made him a respected voice in the locker room.
He embraced the transition under Fran Brown and was expected to be a core part of the offensive strategy heading into the next season. However, things took a surprising turn this offseason.
A Sudden Departure
In a move that raised eyebrows, Trebor Pena entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. For many fans and analysts, the decision seemed abrupt, especially after Pena had played a crucial role in the team’s successful campaign.
Questions swirled about what led to the split between the veteran wideout and the up-and-coming head coach.
Rumors circulated that financial disagreements tied to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) played a role. Eventually, Brown addressed the situation in an interview with Cuse Sports Talk, offering a candid explanation of the circumstances.
Trebor Pena’s Legacy at Syracuse
Despite the abrupt departure, Trebor Pena leaves behind a solid legacy at Syracuse. Over five seasons, he became one of the more consistent and dependable players on the roster.2
His versatility—contributing both as a receiver and return specialist—made him a valuable asset throughout his career.
Pena’s journey also serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of college football. Once bound by four years of eligibility and minimal financial reward, today’s athletes have more freedom and financial leverage than ever before.
For players like Pena, that means opportunities to pursue better deals, playing time, or system fits elsewhere.
.@nateeedwards Enjoy the day Youngin! 🍊🎯 pic.twitter.com/BN40tQPuLU
— Fran Brown (@FranBrownCuse) April 17, 2025
What’s Next for Pena?
As a graduate transfer, Pena will be eligible to play immediately wherever he lands. His experience and production will make him an attractive option for programs in need of a veteran wide receiver who can contribute right away.
He brings not only solid hands and route-running ability, but also maturity and leadership.
It remains to be seen which school will land his services, but there’s little doubt he’ll be on someone’s radar.
Whether he ends up at a Power Five school or a mid-major program looking for a boost, Pena will have the opportunity to finish his college career on his terms.
Fran Brown Introduces NIL Policy to Help Syracuse Players Save Money
In the ever-evolving world of college athletics, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has brought exciting opportunities—and new challenges—for student-athletes.3
At Syracuse University, new head football coach Fran Brown is taking a proactive approach to make sure his players aren’t just earning money, but learning how to manage it wisely.
Brown recently announced a policy that emphasizes financial literacy and saving, with the goal of setting his players up for long-term success.
Understanding the NIL Landscape in College Sports
The NCAA’s decision to allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness has fundamentally changed the college sports landscape.
From brand partnerships to social media deals, players can now earn income in ways that were once off-limits. But while the money has started flowing, many athletes lack the financial literacy necessary to manage it wisely.
Enter Fran Brown. The newly appointed head coach at Syracuse isn’t just focused on wins and losses—he’s focused on life after football. Brown recognizes that financial opportunity without education can be a recipe for trouble.
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Fran Brown’s Humble Roots
A Coach With a Vision
Brown’s policy isn’t coming from a place of theory; it’s deeply personal. During a press conference last month, he opened up about his own upbringing and the financial struggles he witnessed growing up.
“Where I’m from, it was extremely tough growing up,” Brown shared. “So, every NIL dollar would just not have been for me. It would have been able to help my mom at home.”
His words reflect the lived experiences of many players, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For Brown, NIL money represents more than just a check—it’s a lifeline, a chance to break generational cycles of poverty. And that’s why he’s so determined to ensure that it’s handled wisely.
The 40% Rule: Building a Culture of Saving
At the heart of Brown’s NIL policy is a unique rule: players must save 40% of their NIL earnings. It’s a bold and unconventional mandate, but Brown believes it’s essential.
“We also have a set where our players… they have to save 40% of their checks,” he explained. “So they understand and know, like, I have to put 40% of my check away.
‘Cause I am your coach. There’s no way I’m gonna pay you a lot of money as a good player, and then you’re going to walk away from here with no money.”
This policy is designed to enforce a habit of saving, so players can walk away from college with more than just athletic accolades—they’ll leave with savings, financial stability, and a mindset geared toward long-term planning.
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Teaching Through Action: Partnering With Financial Experts
Brown knows that it’s not enough to simply tell players to save their money. Education is key. That’s why Syracuse has partnered with financial professionals who come in to work directly with the team.
“We have a partnership where we send people to help and teach us,” Brown said.
These partnerships go beyond simple budgeting advice. Players learn about taxes, investments, credit scores, and the importance of building wealth early. It’s a holistic approach to financial literacy, tailored specifically for the realities of student-athletes in the NIL era.
Financial Literacy as a Life Skill
- While NIL deals may be relatively new, the need for financial literacy among young adults has always existed.
- What makes Brown’s approach so powerful is that he treats financial education not as a temporary fix, but as a foundational life skill.
- By learning how to budget, save, and invest during their college years, players are developing habits that can serve them long after their playing days are over. Whether they go on to play professionally or not, they’ll be better prepared for the real world.
- In today’s social media-driven world, young athletes are often bombarded with images of flashy lifestyles—cars, jewelry, designer clothes. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking success means spending big.
- Fran Brown is challenging that mindset head-on. By requiring players to save nearly half of their earnings, he’s promoting a culture of responsibility over image.
- This kind of discipline may not go viral on Instagram, but it creates something much more valuable: financial independence.
Fran Brown: Building Trust Through Transparency and Respect
One of the biggest challenges in implementing any financial policy is trust. Young adults are often wary of people telling them what to do with their money.
But Brown’s approach is different. Because he’s open about his own experiences—and because he truly wants what’s best for his players—his message resonates.
By leading with empathy and lived experience, Brown has created an environment where players feel supported, not controlled. His policy isn’t about restricting freedom—it’s about expanding futures.
Another important aspect of Brown’s NIL policy is its acknowledgment of the broader impact that players’ earnings can have. Many athletes come from households where financial support is desperately needed. NIL money, in many cases, is not just for the player—it’s for their entire family.
Brown understands this, which is why he doesn’t try to dictate how the other 60% of a player’s earnings are spent.
His goal isn’t to hoard or control—it’s to ensure that players don’t spend it all.
By encouraging players to support their families and build savings, Brown is helping them strike a balance that honors both responsibility and compassion.
The Bigger Picture: Shaping Men, Not Just Athletes
Ultimately, Fran Brown’s NIL policy is about much more than money. It’s about character. It’s about preparing his players to be leaders, providers, and role models—on and off the field.
Brown’s approach stands in contrast to the win-at-all-costs mentality that often dominates college sports. He’s building a program where players are seen as whole people, with futures beyond football.
And that kind of leadership—empathetic, practical, and deeply human—might be the most valuable thing he brings to Syracuse.
Brown’s initiative could serve as a model for other college programs navigating the NIL era. While every school has its own culture and resources, the idea of pairing NIL opportunities with financial education is universally relevant.
Coaches and administrators across the country are watching closely as NIL continues to reshape college athletics. If Brown’s policy proves successful—both on the field and in the bank accounts of his players—it could inspire a wave of similar initiatives.
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