CFB: Top 10 Penn State Nittany Lions Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Riley Thompson, Punter

Penn State’s strengths are its running game and defense. The best way to complement those aspects is to have an excellent punter. The Nittany Lions have that in Riley Thompson, who averaged 42.9 yards per punt and landed 16 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

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Drew Allar, Quarterback

Penn State returns quarterback Drew Allar, whose NFL Draft stock took a hit with a poor performance in the CFP semifinal against Notre Dame. In 16 games, Allar threw for over 3,300 yards and had 30 total touchdowns. If Allar can take the next steps into becoming an elite quarterback Penn State should be able to make a deep CFP run.

Drew Allar Heisman Odds: +1400

Dominic DeLuca, Linebacker

Linebacker Dominic DeLuca will have to become Penn State's next big name at linebacker. In 2024, he made several big plays for the Nittany Lions, with three interceptions and four tackles for loss. His role will expand, and the havoc numbers should rise.

PSU National Championship Odds: +850

Nick Singleton, Running Back

Nick Singleton is the first part of a two-headed monster at running back for Penn State. Singleton ran for 1,099 yards and scored 17 total touchdowns. The running game takes a lot of pressure off of Allar, but it does make them a little too one-dimensional.

Drew Shelton, Offensive Line

Getting Drew Shelton to return to Penn State is a massive deal for the 2025 Nittany Lions. Shelton started 16 games at left tackle and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for his efforts in 2024. He anchors an offensive line that paved the way for two 1,000-yard runners.

Penn State 2025 Win Total: 10.5 Over (+136)/ Under(-178)

Kaytron Allen, Running Back

Kaytron Allen led the Nittany Lions in rushing last year with 1,108 yards. He scored ten total touchdowns as he and Singleton formed one of the best running-back duos the college game has ever seen.

Penn State’s Big Ten Championship Odds: +410

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Defensive Line

When Abdul Carter announced he was going pro, it left big shoes to fill along the defensive front for Penn State. The good news for the Nittany Lions is that Dani Dennis-Sutton is back and ready to pick up the slack. Dennis-Sutton played in all 16 games, making 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and an interception.

Zane Durant, Defensive Line

Another force on the defensive line is defensive tackle Zane Durant. Durant made 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. He and Dani Dennis-Sutton should make a tremendous duo up front for Penn State.

Zakee Wheatley, Safety

Another senior returning for a run at the crown, Zakee Wheatley, is a stud at safety for Penn State. He was named the defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl. He finished the season with three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 80 tackles.

Nick Dawkins, Offensive Line

Nick Dawkins excels on and off the field as the Wuerfell trophy winner and a team captain. Success on offense starts up front for Penn State, and Dawkins is the center of the offensive line. He will enter 2025 as one of the favorites for the Rimington Award for the country’s best center.

Riley Thompson, Punter

Penn State’s strengths are its running game and defense. The best way to complement those aspects is to have an excellent punter. The Nittany Lions have that in Riley Thompson, who averaged 42.9 yards per punt and landed 16 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.