Penn State has had a fortuitous early offseason, securing the returns of key starters across the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but a defensive captain is moving onto the NFL.
Kobe King — a 6-foot-1, 248-pound redshirt junior linebacker from Detroit, Mich. — announced Tuesday that he is forgoing his final season of collegiate eligibility and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s not a shock following a standout season for the Nittany Lions.
King will join fellow Nittany Lions, outside linebacker Abdul Carter, tight end Tyler Warren, safety Kevin Winston Jr. and cornerback Jalen Kimber, in draft prep.
Kobe King is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/9cqHrEm4K2
— Black Shoe Diaries (@BSDtweet) January 14, 2025
“I want to thank God for blessing me and allowing me to pursue my passion to the best of my ability.
“To my coaches and staff here at this amazing university, I want to express my gratitude for the time, effort, and belief you have invested in me. The support from coach Franklin, coach Connor, coach Manny, and coach Pry — your guidance has helped me prosper over the last four years, both on and off the field.
“To the best fans in the nation, thank you for showing my teammates and me unwavering support. Nothing compares to the energy and passion you bring every game.
“I want to give a shoutout to my teammates for trusting in me and allowing me to help lead us through battles and adversity without second-guessing. The relationships weve built and the brotherhood we’ve formed will never diminish.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“To my loving parents, I am beyond grateful and thankful for the unconditional love and support you have shown me. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to get me where I am today. They have truly molded me into the man I am.
“With that being said, after looking back at everything I’ve cultivated here and reflecting on the lengthy conversations and prayers about the next step, I have decided to forgo my final year of eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I will forever bleed blue and white.”
King committed to Penn State as a three-star in the class of 2021, choosing the Nittany Lions over a lengthy offer sheet. And he grew into one of the most impactful defenders on the roster.
He was named a team captain this season, wearing the green dot as the communicator between the coaching staff and his fellow defenders and led the linebackers in defensive snaps. He racked up 97 tackles (53 solo), nine tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
In four seasons at Penn State, he recorded 200 tackles (113 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a recovery returned for a touchdown and four pass breakups.
King will now look to earn an invite to one of the postseason All-Star events and impress NFL teams with his performances at the Penn State Pro Day and NFL Combine.
