Penn State Seniors Experience Roller Coaster Ride of Emotions

There are substantial similarities between NFL football and their college counterpart. They both play on a field that is 120 yards long by 53.3 yards wide. Each version awards six points for a touchdown, two points for a passed or run conversion, and one for a kicked conversion. They each have strange overtime rules for regular season games. But college football generates a far more profound range of emotions. It displays pageantry in its marching bands, cheerleaders, and player entrances. College football produces pride and a sense of connection with alumni and fans. For the players, the coaching staff and teammates become family, and the game is played for love, at least before the proliferation of NIL deals. The culmination of that familial experience for the players is Senior Day when biological family merges with football family. There is no equivalent like it in the NFL.

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Senior Day is always supercharged with emotion. It is one last opportunity for seniors to take a bow for a handful of years of accomplishment and sacrifice. It is a day to share their love of the game with the family that instilled that love into them and with the family that molded that love into production. On Saturday at Beaver Stadium, Head Coach James Franklin shared one last official hug with his players before returning them to their families so they could be recognized together. For players like Tyler Warren, Kobe King, Jaylen Reed, Amin Vanover, Zakee Wheatley, and heart and soul leader Dom DeLuca, there was loud applause of appreciation. Senior Day also allowed the spotlight to shine briefly on players such as second generation Nittany Lion Ben Chizmar, Mitchell Groh, Tyler Holzworth, and Tyrece Mills, who put in long hours of preparation and practice for limited playing time.

This Senior Day was different than almost of the ones that proceeded it. With the implementation of the new College Football Playoff, odds were strong that these seniors would play one more game on their home turf by hosting an opening round playoff game. The Nittany Lions were ranked fourth in the polls and sixth in the playoff seeding. Once Ohio State beat 23.5 point underdog Michigan in Columbus earlier in the afternoon, all that stood between Penn State and an additional home game was dispatching the lowly Maryland Terrapins. Penn State upheld their end of the equation. As the sports world now knows, Ohio State decidedly did not. Michigan’s stunning upset of the Buckeyes sent the Nittany Lions to Indianapolis next week to face the Oregon Ducks for the Big Ten Championship.

A win over Oregon and Penn State would secure a top four seeding and a first round bye. It would also mean no additional game at Beaver Stadium. While that prospect produce a sense of melancholy it would be a trade the seniors would gladly accept. Perhaps the conflicting emotions and changes in fortune had the team momentarily distracted. Running back Nicholas Singleton fumbled the opening play from scrimmage. One 25 yard touchdown pass, and six seconds elapsed time and the heavily favored Nittany Lions were down 7-0. A quick field goal by Ryan Barker cut the Terrapin lead to 7-3, but the Nittany Lions were still a picture of inconsistency throughout the first quarter. They did not establish a lead they would not relinquish until a Singleton two yard run and a Barker extra point gave them a 10-7 lead with 12:53 remaining in the second quarter. They would eventually win 44-7.

It is fitting that the star of the game was Warren. He once again was deployed to be a multi-dimensional threat as a receiver, rusher, and passer. Warren had six receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown. Warren’s first catch was his 76thon the season and set a new Big Ten record for receptions by a tight end. His touchdown was the 17th of his career which eclipsed Pat Freiermuth for most touchdowns by a tight end in program history. If that was not enough, Warren rushed three times for 32 yards, including a 29 yard run off of a pitched from a harassed quarterback Drew Allar. The runs was highlighted by Warren leaping over a flailing Maryland defender. Warren also added an obligatory pass completion for nine yards. Warren’s performance prompted Franklin to state in his post-game media availability that the committee for the John Mackey Award (Top Tight End) should deliver the trophy to Warren overnight. Additionally, Franklin made a plea for Warren to be part of the Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony in New York City on December 14th.

Warren’s night likely cemented his spot in the first round of the NFL Draft next April in Green Bay.

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The outgoing seniors on defense left the fans with a lasting impression, as well. Reed was his usual ball hawking safety with six tackles. His fellow safety Mills had three tackles. Linebackers DeLuca and King also each had three tackles. Cornerback Jalen Kimber had two tackles, and a quarterback hit. Defensive lineman Vanover recorded two tackles and assisted on a sack. Even long snapper Tyler Duzanski registered a tackle on special teams. Like Warren, these players left Beaver Stadium on a positive note.

The focus of the day was on the seniors, but other players, depending on circumstances, might also have played their last game at home. There are multiple underclassmen that are eligible to declare for the NFL Draft, and if they do so, would be strongly considered by NFL franchises. Edge rusher Abdul Carter could be a top five pick and will certainly enter the draft. His play against Maryland demonstrated he is ready for the next level. Carter had six tackles and two sacks for 18 yards in lost yardage. He also had a hit on quarterback MJ Morris. 

His compatriot on the other side of the line Dani Dennis-Sutton is also a candidate for early entry. He totaled three tackles, one sack for nine yards and three hits on Morris. Dani-Sutton is projected to be a late day two, or early day three pick. If he returns, he could produce a Carter-like climb up the 2026 draft boards. Neither player has officially indicated any plans at this point.

Offensively, the elephant in the room is their star quarterback Allar. His second season as the starter, and first in Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s system, has seen him improve all facets of his game, most notably his accuracy and mobility. He could benefit from another year in State College, but the siren song of the NFL in a weak quarterback draft might be too hard to ignore. Allar started slowly against the Terrapins but finished 17-26 for 171 yards and one touchdown. In typical fashion, he did not throw an interception. He rushed for 23 yards, something he would not have down last season. It would be a blow to the program if he left, but young arms Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik are spoken highly of by both Franklin and Kotelnicki. Additionally, ascending three star recruit Bekkem Kritza from Hollywood, FL is expected to formalize his commitment in December. If Allar leaves, the cupboard will not be bare.

The two star running backs behind Allar are also question marks to return. After his fumble, Singleton rushed 13 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. One of the traits that makes Singleton desirable is his versatility. His three receptions for 17 yards is proof of that versatility. He could be drafted as high as the second round, especially if he puts on a typical Penn State highlight real at the NFL Combine, should he declare. 

His running mate and best friend, Kaytron Allen, also had 13 carries and gained 34 yards. His totals took a hit on a 10 yard loss due to a blocking miscommunication. Allen would be a day three selection. Like Allar, the pair’s defection would not be devastating. 

Exciting and explosive youngsters Corey Smith and Quinton Martin have shown in limited playing time they are more than capable of filling any void created by Singleton and Allen moving to the NFL. There are two running back recruits from either side of Pennsylvania that have committed to Penn State. Tiqwai Hayes (Aliquippa) and Jabree Wallace-Coleman are expected to enter the Nittany Lion fold on early signing day on December 4th.

If the game against Maryland was the last at Beaver Stadium for any of these players, they went out on the best possible note. The post-game atmosphere on the field was a jubilant and triumphant scene. The players could not wait to assemble for the playing of the alma mater. Smiles and hugs were abundant. Warren told Draft Nation in the media scrum after the players left the field that “it was a pleasure to play at Beaver Stadium in front of the best fans in America.”  What happens in Indianapolis will determine if they will have one more opportunity to perform before 110,000 fans. If they get that chance, they will be grateful. They would not say it, but a Big Ten title is more important than running out of the home tunnel one more time. They have said their good byes. It is time to gather trophies.