The wait for the return of a brand new Penn State football season is almost over. The anticipation continues to rise for a brand new era for the entire sport with massive realignment changes and conference expansion and the the College Football Playoff growing from four teams to 12. Penn State is hoping the additional playoff spots will allow the Nittany Lions to get in the playoff fun. If they are going to do that, some big-time players will have to perform.
And according to ESPN’s college football staff, the Nittany Lions have a couple of the top 100 players in the sport suiting up in blue and white this fall.
Abdul Carter is ranked no. 20 on the list from ESPN. ESPN lists Carter as a linebacker, but he did make a well-profiled move to defensive end this offseason. However, head coach James Franklin has suggested more recently we could see Carter play at his more familiar linebacker spot at times. No matter what position he is playing, he will be a strong asset for the Penn State defense.
Carter also was named a second-team preseason all-America player by ESPN.
Kaytron Allen is ranked no. 69 in the list of the nation’s top 100 players. Last season saw Allen lead Penn State in rushing yardage with 902 rushing yards. He also rushed for six touchdowns. As a freshman in 2022, Allen rushed for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns. ESPN notes that Allen may be the better NFL draft prospect compared to his backfield partner, Nick Singleton.
Singleton was among the notable Penn State players not appearing on ESPN’s list of the top 100 players this season. Other notable omissions included Dani Dennis-Sutton, who has been viewed by some as a potential first-round draft pick in 2025, quarterback Drew Allar, and safety Kevin Winston Jr.
You can view ESPN’s full list of the top 100 college football players in 2024 to see who else lands on the list.
Penn State will open the 2024 season with a road game at West Virginia on Saturday, Aug. 31. You can see the full Penn State schedule here and download a schedule wallpaper for your smartphone.
Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.