Penn State will be without several key players for Saturday’s Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, and coach Terry Smith updated the status of several more during his pre-Pinstripe Bowl press conference late Friday morning.
It was already known by Friday that Zane Durant, Zakee Wheatley, Nicholas Singleton, Vega Ioane, Zuriah Fisher (opt outs), Alex Tatsch (injury), Chaz Coleman, A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington (transfer portal) wouldn’t be available for Penn State Saturday.
Friday morning, Smith revealed that star RB Kaytron Allen and star DE Dani Dennis-Sutton would be good to go, although it’s not yet known if the pair are on a snap count or not.
Additionally, Smith revealed that a trio of offensive linemen– C Nick Dawkins, OT Nolan Rucci and OT Drew Shelton— would be unavailable, as would tight end Khalil Dinkins. Smith didn’t specify whether this was due to opting out or injury, but it’s worth noting that all four players are in their final year of eligibility.
Having Allen and Dennis-Sutton in any capacity will be a boost for Penn State. Allen is the all-time leading rusher in school history, and Dennis-Sutton overcame an up-and-down start to 2025 by going on a terror in Penn State’s last four regular-season games, accounting for 4.5 sacks.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Their presence is especially vital given Penn State won’t have the same RB depth due to Singleton opting out, and won’t have the same DE depth due to Fisher opting out and Coleman entering the portal.
As for the offensive line, Penn State will be without its anchor in team captain Dawkins, along with Shelton, who has been getting heavy playing time since he was a true freshman, and Rucci, who was a huge part of Penn State’s college football playoff run.
Penn State is also losing Dinkins, who is in the discussion for best blocking tight end in college football.
Yep, it will be a different look for Penn State against Clemson. But young players will have increased opportunities to step up. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on ABC from Yankee Stadium.
