Penn State Stars Face NFL Draft Decisions After Playoff Run

As Penn State prepares for its College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against Notre Dame, several Nittany Lions stars are weighing their futures. With a win, Penn State would advance to the national championship game, but for some players, the end of the season will mark a pivotal decision: whether to declare for the NFL Draft or return to college football.

Among the most notable draft-eligible players is junior defensive end Abdul Carter, who is projected as a top-10 pick despite battling a mysterious arm injury. Carter, a unanimous All-American, has been a dominant force on defense, recording 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks this season. His performance has drawn comparisons to former Penn State standout Micah Parsons, who now stars for the Dallas Cowboys.

Another key player facing a decision is junior quarterback Drew Allar. While Allar initially announced his intention to return for his final year of eligibility, his strong performances in the College Football Playoff have reignited speculation about his NFL prospects. In a weak 2025 quarterback class, Allar could emerge as a first-round pick if he continues to shine on the national stage.

Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, known as the “Lawn Boyz,” are also at a crossroads. Singleton, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a true freshman, is rumored to be considering a return to Penn State, but his youth and production make him an attractive NFL prospect. Allen, meanwhile, appears more likely to stay in college, as his draft stock is projected to be lower due to his role as a secondary back.

On the defensive line, junior Zane Durant has quietly been a standout. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-1 and 288 pounds, Durant has recorded 27 quarterback pressures and four sacks this season. While he is expected to return to Penn State, a strong showing in the playoffs could sway his decision.

Penn State has a strong track record of producing NFL talent, with eight players selected in the 2024 draft. The program has had at least five players drafted in each of the past seven years and is one of only three schools to have a player selected in the first three rounds for 19 consecutive years. This streak is likely to continue in 2025, with Carter and others poised to hear their names called early.

As the Nittany Lions focus on their playoff run, the looming decisions of their star players add an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes season.