Tag: Nolan Rucci

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle dominant in Penn State’s CFP win over Boise State

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle dominates in Penn State win over Boise State

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle Nolan Rucci continued his phenomenal play as he and the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated Boise State 31-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl).

Rucci, who started at right tackle for the fourth consecutive game, allowed zero pressures in 33 pass-blocking snaps. He also notched an impressive 86.8 run-blocking grade, per ProFootballFocus.

The standout tackle aided a Penn State offense that finished the contest with 387 total yards — 216 rushing (5.3 yards per carry) and 171 passing. The team jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to two Drew Allar touchdown passes. Boise State closed the gap at 17-14 early in the third quarter, but the Nittany Lions were able to ice the game away thanks to dominance from running backs Kaytron Allen (17 carries, 134 rushing yards, 7.9 yards per carry) and Nicholas Singleton (12 carries, 87 rushing yards, 7.3 yards per carry, one touchdown).

Rucci made a difference in that rushing attack, helping Penn State advance to the CFP semifinals.

The performance continues what has been a dominant month for the former five-star recruit. He was PFF’s highest-graded offensive lineman (76.6) from the CFP First Round, that after excelling in Penn State’s Week 14 win over Maryland and Big Ten title loss to Oregon.

Rucci has taken over the starting right tackle job after previous starter Anthony Donkoh went down with a long-term injury. This is his first extended run in a starting position after operating as a backup during his three years with the Badgers.

Wisconsin fans envisioned Rucci blocking for a highly-rated quarterback and elite running back en route to a national title. With the Badgers, that would have been for Graham Mertz and Braelon Allen, respectively. Instead, he’s doing so for Allar and Singleton/Allen with the Nittany Lions.

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One former Wisconsin transfer set to play in College Football Playoff quarterfinal

One former Wisconsin transfer set to play in College Football Playoff Quarterfinal

One former Wisconsin Badger is set to suit up in the 2024 College Football Playoff quarterfinal: Penn State offensive tackle Nolan Rucci.

He and the No. 6-seed Nittany Lions will face No. 3 Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. The team advanced to the quarterfinal after a 38-10 first-round blowout win over No. 11 SMU.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal class by projected 2025 impact

Rucci starred in that contest, finishing as ProFootballFocus’ highest-graded offensive lineman from the first round (76.6). He started at right tackle in place of starter Anthony Donkoh, who suffered a season-ending injury in the Nittany Lions’ Week 13 win over Minnesota.

The former top recruit helped Penn State to 325 total yards of offense, 189 rushing yards and a 4.7 yards-per-carry clip. He and the offense weren’t tasked with deciding the contest, however, as the Penn State defense built an early 14-0 lead with two pick-sixes. That margin only grew as the game continued.

Rucci and a dangerous Penn State team now travel to Glendale, Arizona for a Fiesta Bowl matchup against a Boise State team that earned a first-round bye after winning the Mountain West.

The Broncos enter the contest with ESPN SP+’s No. 47-ranked defense, a matchup advantage that Rucci and the Penn State offense should be able to exploit.

Rucci’s emergence as a top tackle is a significant development after an up-and-down career. He originally joined Wisconsin as a five-star recruit in the class of 2021, ranked as the No. 1 player from Pennsylvania and the No. 17 overall player in the class. He then spent several years backing up multi-year starters Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlman before transferring out after the 2023 campaign.

The former top recruit began 2024 in the same position. But Rucci received significant starting reps throughout the year as the starter Donkoh, a redshirt freshman, battled various injuries. Those opportunities then led to strong play as Penn State’s full-time starting right tackle in its Week 14 win over Maryland, narrow Big Ten title game loss to Oregon and CFP First Round win over SMU.

Rucci and the Nittany Lions will take the field against Boise State at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on Dec. 31. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

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Former Wisconsin Badger transfer a standout from College Football Playoff first round

Former Wisconsin Badger a standout from College Football Playoff first round

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle Nolan Rucci was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded offensive lineman (76.6) from the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff last weekend.

Rucci started at right tackle for Penn State in its 38-10 victory against SMU. He aided a Nittany Lion offense that produced 325 total yards, 189 rushing yards and a 4.7 yards per carry average. Those totals would likely have been much higher had the Penn State defense not scored on two pick sixes to open the contest.

The former Badger recently took over Penn State’s full-time starting right tackle job after a season-ending injury to starter Anthony Donkoh. Rucci previously played a depth role along the offensive line, mostly seeing snaps in jumbo formations.

Saturday’s contest was a breakthrough game for a Penn State program badly in need of a signature win. It also was one for Rucci, who appears to be cementing himself as the program’s future starter at the position.

Rucci transferred to Penn State last offseason after three seasons with the Badgers. He joined Wisconsin as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 player from Pennsylvania and the No. 17 overall player in the class of 2021. He failed to win a starting position during his time with the program. Multiyear starters Jack Nelson (left tackle) and Riley Mahlman (right tackle) blocked his path.

The former Badger has found strong footing with the Nittany Lions. He and the team are preparing for a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

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Penn State RT shares what former Badgers tackle Nolan Rucci said about Camp Randall Stadium atmosphere

Nolan Rucci preparing the Penn State OL for their trip to Madison

Wisconsin’s prime-time showdown with No. 3 Penn State on Saturday will see former Badgers offensive tackle Nolan Rucci return to Madison, Wisconsin.

Rucci transferred to Penn State before the 2024 season after three years with the Badgers. He notably joined the program as a five-star recruit in the class of 2021. He was ranked as the second-highest-rated commit in Wisconsin program history.

Related: 10 stats that will define Wisconsin Badgers vs. Penn State football

The Pennsylvania native played sparingly during his three years with the Badgers. His top moment with the program was actually a touchdown reception — a game-winner in the final moments of the team’s win over Illinois in 2023.

Established starters Jack Nelson (left tackle) and Riley Mahlman (right tackle), both back in 2024, blocked any clear path to Rucci earning a starting job. He entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility and committed to Penn State.

Rucci enters Saturday’s big game at Camp Randall Stadium as Penn State’s primary backup right tackle. Redshirt freshman Anthony Donkoh (No. 68) won the job out of training camp and has held it throughout the season. The former Badger’s game action has been limited to jumbo formations, late-game scenarios and in relief of Donkoh, who has battled minor injuries throughout the year.

Aug. 31, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates with Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh (68) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Donkoh is healthy entering Saturday. So Rucci’s snaps are expected to be limited, barring injury. The former Badger has helped the starter prepare for what projects to be a raucous Camp Randall Stadium atmosphere. Donkoh described that exchange when meeting with the media earlier this week:

“He was telling me that the fans are crazy, it’s a super cool place to play at,” Donkoh said.

Those fans are expected to be especially energized on Saturday night given the weight of the matchup between the Badgers and Nittany Lions. Wisconsin enters as the winner of three straight games and with significant momentum. Penn State, meanwhile, has a No. 3 next to its name on the scoreboard. Fans will enter the gates hoping that Luke Fickell’s team can pull a program-defining victory.

We will see how much playing time Rucci, who now wears No. 72, gets on Saturday. It is an interesting sub-plot in what projects to be a fantastic on-field matchup.

Wisconsin and Penn State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday night. The game will be on NBC and stream on Peacock.

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Wisconsin facing former Badgers OL transfer, who is now on Penn State

Wisconsin facing former Badgers OL transfer, who is now on Penn State

The Wisconsin Badgers will play against former Wisconsin offensive lineman Nolan Rucci on Saturday when the team hosts the No. 3-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.

Rucci played at Wisconsin from 2021-2023 before transferring to Penn State before the 2024 season.

Related: Ranking the biggest storylines entering Wisconsin’s premier matchup with Penn State

The offensive lineman originally joined the Badgers program as a five-star recruit in the class of 2021 — ranked as the No. 16 overall player in the class and No. 5 offensive tackle. His 0.9918 247Sports rating was good enough to rank No. 2 among the all-time highest-rated recruits in Wisconsin program history.

Nolan Rucci, the younger brother of former Badgers tight end Hayden Rucci (2019-2023), went on to redshirt during the 2021 season before playing sparingly in 2022. His role remained limited in 2023, with Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlman back as the team’s starting left and right tackles, respectively. He was a part of a defining moment of that season, however, as he caught a game-winning touchdown pass from QB Braedyn Locke in the Badgers’ narrow win over Illinois.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1715866823537623510

Nelson and Mahlman both returned in 2024 to lead a Wisconsin offensive line that is among the best in the conference. Rucci opted to enter the transfer portal, and went on to commit to Penn State.

The former top recruit currently plays a reserve role for the 2024 Nittany Lions. He primarily sees the field in jumbo packages and other heavy-personnel formations. Otherwise, he is the team’s primary backup right tackle — and has seen some game action at the position in relief of starter Anthony Donkoh.

Donkoh should be healthy exiting the Nittany Lions’ Week 8 bye, which means Rucci is likely to see the field only in specialty situations on Saturday.

Former Wisconsin linebacker Jordan Mayer (2023) also transferred to Penn State before the 2024 season. He has yet to see the field with the Nittany Lions.

Wisconsin and Penn State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Rucci, who now wears No. 72, should see at least some game action against his former team.

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13 Penn State players appear on Senior Bowl watch list for 2024

A large number of Penn State players are on this year’s Senior Bowl watch list.

Penn State has historically been productive when it comes to manufacturing talent for the next level in the NFL, and this year’s roster is not short on potential NFL talent. One of the highlights of the draft cycle is the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, which invites the nation’s top seniors to participate in one of the premier scouting events outside of the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. An invite to the Senior Bowl is cherished and must be earned, and is a sign of the respect the NFL draft and scouting community holds for a player. It is a great tryout in front of the NFL world and can dramatically impact a player’s draft stock.

The Senior Bowl released its watch list of players for the upcoming season, and Penn State was well represented with players that could eventually be invited to participate in the top senior all-star game leading up to the NFL draft.

The full list of Penn State players appearing on the watch list includes:

  • [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag], QB
  • [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag], RB
  • [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag], DL
  • [autotag]Dani Dennis-Sutton[/autotag], DL
  • [autotag]Julian Fleming[/autotag], WR
  • [autotag]Kobe King[/autotag], LB
  • [autotag]JB Nelson[/autotag], OL
  • [autotag]Jaylen Reed[/autotag], DB
  • [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag], RB
  • [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag], TE
  • [autotag]Kevin Winston Jr.[/autotag], DB
  • [autotag]Sal Wormley[/autotag], OL
  • [autotag]Nolan Rucci[/autotag], OL

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Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass vs. Illinois is now a penalty, and Bret Bielema is not pleased

Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass vs. Illinois is now a penalty, and Bret Bielema is not pleased

There is a new rule entering the 2024 season that directly addresses Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass to beat Illinois in 2023.

The rule notes that changing a player into a different jersey during the game to complete a tackle-eligible pass is now considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Related: 10 developing opinions entering year two of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin

This is, of course, exactly what Wisconsin did in switching backup left tackle Nolan Rucci from No. 66 to No. 93, then running him out on a swing route to catch the game-winning touchdown pass with 30 seconds left in the game.

Illinois HC Bret Bielema went to X to react to this rule change, posting ‘Isn’t it crazy how rules are emphasized on a yearly basis after a year in review.’

For those who need a refresher, here is the play in question, plus Bielema’s full reaction to the rule change:

We can confidently say that we probably witnessed one of the last instances of a tackle changing his number to catch a touchdown pass. We’ve definitely seen the last one that’s worked without being a 15-yard penalty.

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Four-star offensive lineman puts Penn State in his top six

Penn State is in some competition for a commitment as this four-star offensive lineman trims down his options.

Penn State continues to look at offensive line options in their 2025 class as they currently have just two commitments at that position group from [autotag]Owen Aliciene[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Troutman[/autotag].

They’ve done an incredible job at recruiting and developing offensive linemen since [autotag]Phil Trautwein[/autotag] joined the program in 2020.

The Nittany Lions picked up five offensive line commits in the 2024 class and also got transfer [autotag]Nolan Rucci[/autotag], so it’s unclear how many they are targeting in this cycle.

However, one player they’re interested in is four-star [autotag]Max Buchanan[/autotag].

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder recently cut his list to six schools and included Penn State. Others he’s still considering are Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Ole Miss, and UCF.

The Florida native is coming out of an official visit to Ole Miss this past weekend.

According to Chad Simmons of On3, those will be a major factor in his decision making.

“What is going to separate a school for me will be based on how my visits go. I want to see how honest and truthful the people are at each school. Getting along with the players and the people on campus is so important to me. I will only be around the coaches when I am at the facility or practice, so I want to see how I get along with the players. That will be very big for me,” Buchanan said.

Penn State will be the last official visit he takes as he’s scheduled to come to Happy Valley on June 21.

This has been a recruit on the radar of [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] and his staff for a while as they were the second school to offer him a scholarship and have maintained consistent contact with him throughout the process.

It may be a bit of an uphill battle, though.

On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine currently lists Penn State with the worst odds out of the six schools he’s considering with an 8.2% chance. Florida State are the leaders with a 22.7% chance.

Based on the amount of time that the coaching staff has put into this process, they’ll likely make a major push to land him prior to him taking his official visit in June.

Penn State football transfer portal tracker

The transfer portal is open. Stay on top of every Penn State transfer coming and going with our updated tracker.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Sure, the holiday season is in full swing, but the transfer portal for college football is officially open, and Penn State will once again look to be active in the portal activity in an attempt to bolster a couple of positions in need of improvement.

Of course, a number of players on the football roster will take this opportunity to explore some other opportunities to find a new environment that will allow them to embrace a fresh start, pursue more playing time with another program, or simply just move closer to home.

The first day of the transfer portal being open led to a couple of Penn State players entering their names in the transfer portal. And we are ready to keep track of all of the transfer portal activity this month.

The transfer portal opened on Dec. 4, 2023 and closes on Jan. 2, 2024. Here is a look at the latest developments with the portal and Penn State with a review of what players are currently in the transfer portal, who has committed elsewhere, and what players are coming to Penn State out of the portal.

Penn State players in transfer portal: 3

Penn State players who have committed elsewhere from the portal: 4

Players coming to Penn State from the transfer portal: 6

Penn State lands former 5-star Georgia transfer A.J. Harris from transfer portal

Penn State lands former five-star CB out of the transfer portal

Penn State has been busy in the transfer portal this offseason as they’ve started to address some of the holes that became open with the departures of those declaring for the NFL draft and graduating.

[autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] and his staff have been able to get some blue chip talent in the portal as well, landing five-star high school talents like wide receiver [autotag]Julian Fleming[/autotag] and offensive tackle [autotag]Nolan Rucci[/autotag].

Now on Thursday, they have secured a commitment from another elite talent in former Georgia cornerback A.J. Harris according to BlueWhiteIllustrated.

“Harris did not make a public announcement, but BWI confirmed on Wednesday that the former Bulldog is on campus and attending classes at University Park for the spring semester,” writes Sean Fitz.

This is a huge get for the Nittany Lions.

247Sports rated the 6’1″ 190 pound corner as a five-star recruit in the class of 2023. He was able to play as a freshman at Georgia, although in a limited role, recording eight tackles in seven games.

After not playing in November, he decided to look at other schools where will play the remaining three seasons of his college football eligibility.

Harris was the 12th overall player in On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings and the No. 1 cornerback.

Penn State only has one upperclassmen in their cornerback room next year in [autotag]Cam Miller[/autotag], so the former five-star recruit gives the Nittany Lions more talent, depth and options heading into the spring.

After landing Harris, this has become one of the best offseasons that Penn State has had in the transfer portal to date, getting three former five-star recruits and players who should immediately be able to help.