In this era of college football, veterans are less likely to play in bowl games that don’t have College Football Playoff implications, and that’s where Penn State is at the moment.
Penn State was supposed to be in the CFP, starting the season ranked No. 2.
Instead, Penn State finished the regular season 6-6 and will be playing Clemson— who also fell well short of expectations (preseason No. 4) in the Pinstripe Bowl.
With Penn State being a veteran-heavy team, fans knew that PSU would be playing Clemson without many of its best players. Here’s a rundown of who has opted out thus far (NSN’s list will be updated accordingly.
DEFENSE
Durant came to Penn State as part of the celebrated 2022 recruiting classthat featured players such as Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Abdul Carter, and ended up being among the class’ top contributors.
Now, his focus shifts to the NFL Draft.
“I want to thank Penn State University for the memories and experiences that it has given me. I would like to thank Coach Deion, Coach Manny, Coach Dex, Coach Scott, Coach Allen and Coach Terry,” Durant wrote to Instagram Monday.
For the past four years, I want to thank everyone I got to work with while attending Penn State.
I also want to thank the Lord because without him this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you momma and pops for everything y’all instilled in me.
I want to thank Coach Franklin for giving me the opportunity to attend Penn State, and for being a mentor and example to me.”
Wheatley developed into one of Penn State’s best players, and perhaps his finest moments were in Penn State’s biggest games.
In last season’s College Football Playoff, Wheatley was the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl. In the next game— the Orange Bowl/CFP Semifinal against Notre Dame— he had a game-high 16 tackles and an interception.
Wheatley’s played continued into the next season.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.He ended the year second on the team with 74 tackles. Wheatley was also on me of the team’s iron men, playing 658 snaps per Pro Football Focus, which was behind only Amare Campbell for most on the defense.
First, I want to thank God for blessing me to play five years of football at Penn State University!” Wheatley’s statement read. “Without him, none of this would have been possible!
“I also want to thank Penn State and all the fans for the amazing support and memories! I could not have imagined a better collegiate career or experience anywhere in the country. I also want to thank my family for always supporting and always showing up for me through the good and bad times.
“Now it is time to work to have the chance to create new memories.”
OFFENSE
Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle first reported that Nicholas Singleton has played his last college game, after talking with Singleton’s father.
Singleton started his Penn State career in 2022 and almost immediately became a fixture in Penn State’s offense.
In Singleton’s Beaver Stadium debut, he torched the University of Ohio for 179 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. It was off to the races from there. Singleton eclipsed 1,000 yards in his true freshman season and repeated that feat in 2024, when he had a career-high 1,099 yards.
Singleton made history over his time at Penn State, ending his career as the school’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards, rushing touchdowns and overall touchdowns. He broke the last two records in the Nov. 29 regular season finale against Rutgers,which ended up being his last college game.
Singleton went out with a bang, torching Rutgers for 183 total yards in a 40-36 win that ensured bowl eligibility for Penn State.
Of all the players that have opted out so far, Ioane has the highest draft stock. Ioane is projected to be a first-round draft pick by NFL Mock Draft database.
“The past four years have been a journey of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” Ioane wrote to Twitter. “This Family and Football program that took me in has helped shape me into the man I am today and for that an expression of gratitude will never be enough!” Thank You PENN STATE.
The Pinstripe Bowl is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 27 on ABC in Yankee Stadium.
