Penn State was well-represented early in the 2025 NFL Draft with edge rusher Abdul Carter and tight end Tyler Warren going in the first 14 picks.
But it was not a particularly large Penn State draft, checking in at just five players.
It could have been considerably larger. However, Penn State was able to convince several NFL-caliber players to stay in school for another season. After all, money talks.
The Lions’ program, during James Franklin’s time in State College, has produced a pair of eight-player NFL draft classes, one in 2022 led by Jahan Dotson, Arnold Ebiketie and Jaquan Brisker, and one in 2024 led by Olu Fashanu and Chop Robinson.
So, with 2025 in the books, let’s take an early look at what Penn State’s 2026 NFL draft class could look like.
We’ll go in alphabetical order.
Drew Allar: The big quarterback enters his fourth season as one of the top prospects at his position. It’s his third year as starter. Allar can sling it and he’s huge. A statement win or two during a year in which Penn State is on the short list of national championship contenders should be enough to secure a spot for Allar in the first round.
Kaytron Allen: Allar’s 2022 classmate is an angry runner coming off a 1,000-yard season. He’s NFL-ready now.
Nick Dawkins: The son of NBA great Darryl Dawkins enters his second season as Penn State’s starting center. He’s got some work to do, but the Lions have churned out some quality centers in recent years.
Dani Dennis-Sutton: Another member of Franklin’s 2022 class. If DDS picks up where he left off in the college playoff, he likely will be the first Penn State player picked in the draft. Hello, first round.
Anthony Donkoh: Just speculating, here. Donkoh, in his third year, will be on the NFL’s radar if he can stay healthy and he take a step forward. Donkoh could also come back to college for fourth season.
Zane Durant: An explosive interior defensive lineman who will again be a tough one-on-one matchup at the college level. He can help an NFL team at tackle.
A.J. Harris: Will he stay or will he go after his third collegiate season? Harris was one of the Big Ten’s best corners in 2024 and will lead an elite room this fall.
Vega Ioane: Penn State’s most intimidating offensive lineman is also a part-time wideout in Andy Kotelnicki’s offense. Another fourth-year Lion, but one who redshirted in 2022. An offensive guard worthy of a first-round pick next spring? Don’t be too surprised if it happens.
Tony Rojas: Could be a bit of a reach, here. Rojas, just a third-year player, is still mastering the linebacker position. Rojas made some splash plays last season, but there is plenty of room to grow. It helps having PSU great Dan Connor is his corner, no? Probably a 2027 NFL draft candidate but this guy’s athleticism at the linebacker position is a huge asset.
Nolan Rucci: The Wisconsin transfer took over for an injured Anthony Donkoh at right tackle late in the 2024 regular season and more than held his own. A five-star recruit in high school, Rucci is starting to look the part at PSU.
Drew Shelton: Arguably the most overlooked starter on the team, and he plays a premium position. The Lions’ left tackle contributed as a true freshman. He’s an NFL player.
Nick Singleton: Kaytron Allen’s backfield mate is coming off his second 1,000-yard season. A big-play threat as a runner, receiver and return man, Singleton could leave Penn State as the program’s all-time leading rusher.
Elliot Washington: There has never been a question about the third-year corner’s talent. One of the top athletes on the team, and maybe the fastest, Washington has the look of a starter in the fall. If he has a big year, Washington could consider leaving PSU early.
Zakee Wheatley: Entering his fifth season at safety, Wheatley was an irreplaceable player on the defense after he settled in as a starter. A ballhawk who had 16 tackles against Notre Dame, Wheatley could wind up as another Penn State defensive back who goes on Day 2 of the draft.
It’s doubtful all 14 will be in the 2026 Penn State draft class, but all of them are talented enough to be in the conversation.