Penn State’s football team is navigating through the offseason, and as spring camp nears, it’s the perfect moment to highlight some players poised for a breakout in 2025.
As March rolled in, marking the second week of winter workouts for Penn State, Coach James Franklin shared in February how the sessions are being scaled back because the 2024 season wrapped up on January 9.
With Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren headed to the NFL, the question arises: who will fill their roles? As Penn State eyes a place among the national title contenders, fresh talent is bound to emerge.
Spring practices and the spring game on April 26 are when these questions will likely find answers. Yet, the winter workouts already offer a preview of which players are gaining an edge. On Tuesday, as Penn State assistants shared their top performers from each position group on social media after day three of practices, a few names stood out.
Here’s a look at five players making waves in the early days of winter workouts.
TE Luke Reynolds
Luke Reynolds looks set to inherit the mantle from Tyler Warren as Penn State’s next star tight end. For someone fresh off their true freshman season, that’s high praise, yet deserved. This 5-star recruit was the top-ranked tight end in the 2024 class. Though he didn’t redshirt and mostly played as Warren’s backup, he managed nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. Notably, Reynolds executed a thrilling 32-yard fake punt conversion against Minnesota, a play crucial to Penn State’s pursuit of the Big Ten Championship game. Expectations are high, but early signs suggest Reynolds is ready to step up as the starting tight end.
LB Dominic DeLuca
Dominic DeLuca is keeping up his impressive postseason momentum into the winter. A defensive captain last year, DeLuca shone brilliantly against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoffs, delivering two interceptions (one for a touchdown), five tackles, and half a sack. He concluded the season with 40 tackles, three picks, and a touchdown. Having risen from a walk-on, DeLuca is likely to claim a starting linebacker spot.
CB Elliot Washington II
Elliot Washington II has caught the eye of cornerback coach Terry Smith after every winter workout so far, pointing to a promising development. Following Jalen Kimber’s NFL departure, a spot has opened in the cornerback lineup, and Washington is a prime contender. He wrapped up the 2024 season with 26 tackles, one interception, and a team-leading six pass breakups, making him a strong candidate for a starting role.
S Zakee Wheatley
Coming off an impressive Fiesta Bowl performance as the defensive MVP, Zakee Wheatley is eager to make an even more significant impact on Penn State’s defense. The senior recorded the third-most tackles for the team in 2024, with totals of 95 tackles, three interceptions, and four passes defended, along with two fumble recoveries and one sack. As the Nittany Lions’ starting free safety, he’s poised to be a key leader for Jim Knowles’ defense.
WR Kyron Hudson
Kyron Hudson, anticipated to be a notable figure this offseason, is vying for the top wide receiver slot at Penn State. His time with USC has clearly left an impression, as evidenced by the praise from wide receivers coach Marques Hagans during day one of workouts. Famous for his impressive catches and robust frame, Hudson made headlines with a spectacular one-handed grab during USC’s season opener against LSU last year. With Penn State having lacked a dominant receiver like Hudson for some time, he is expected to be a significant target for quarterback Drew Allar.
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This article first appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Five Penn State football players on the rise.
