The Nittany Lions did very well in the 2026 NFL draft this year, with eight of the players from their 2025/26 squad drafted. However, due to how much talent was on the roster whose potential may not even have been realized, the Nittany Lions also had a lot of undrafted free agents enter the NFL ranks over the past couple of days as well. Here are several of the big names that got the opportunity to work their ways onto an NFL roster.
The first names to be revealed to have been picked up by an NFL squad were two of the captains from last year's team, center Nick Dawkins and linebacker and fan favorite Dominic DeLuca. Dawkins signed with the Ravens, where he could have a chance to compete for the vacant center spot left by Tyler Linderbaum, while DeLuca also signed with the Ravens and could figure into a deep linebacker rotation. For Penn State fans, it would be nice to see two of their best leaders get spots on an NFL roster even if they don't get a lot of playing time.
Still, other Nittany Lions found success as well. Both of their top transfer receivers from last year found new homes in the NFL, as Devonte Ross and Trebor Pena signed with the Chargers and Jaguars respectively. Ross could look to be a deep threat for Justin Herbert after averaging 13.9 yards per catch last season, while Pena could be in more of a rotational role in the Jags' deep WR corps. While both had seasons filled with struggles, they have a chance to make amends in the NFL.
Other notable names for the Nittany Lions to sign with different are tight end Khalil Dinkins, who will play for the 49ers and long snapper Tyler Duzansky, who signed with the Raiders. To round out the UDFA group, offensive tackle Nolan Rucci signed with the Indianapolis Colts, joining up with former teammate Tyler Warren.
All in all, with the eight players drafted, the program will have fifteen of their former players form this year's class plying their trade in the NFL. Not bad for what was a very down year for Penn State football.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State players sign as undrafted free agents