Penn State reached the College Football Playoff for the first time this season, but several late mistakes led to a 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The Nittany Lions are 1-18 against top-five teams under head coach James Franklin, who is coming off his 11th season at the helm. He is tasked with rebuilding the 2025 Penn State football roster since the Nittany Lions are expected to lose key players at multiple positions. All-American defensive end Abdul Carter declared for the NFL Draft just hours after the loss to Notre Dame, with the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year expected to be a top-five pick.
Carter played through a left shoulder injury against the Fighting Irish, but still had his 12th sack of the season. The rest of the Penn State football roster has five days to decide whether they want to enter the college football transfer portal, making this a critical window for Franklin and the Penn State coaching staff. If you want the latest Penn State football news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at Lions247, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Penn State.
The Lions247 insiders are providing on-the-ground updates on every development in the Penn State football program, including insights from Tyler Donohue, Daniel Gallen, Mark Brennan and Tyler Calvaruso, who have deep-rooted ties inside the Penn State community. Get all the inside scoop on the football program, plus VIP intel on Nittany Lions football, basketball, recruiting and more. Plus get access to the Lions247 message boards where you can connect with other Penn State fans and insiders. Get it all right here.
And right now, Lions247 is offering 50% off annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
Penn State football roster news
The Nittany Lions are expected to have quarterback Drew Allar back next season, as he announced in December that he intends to return for a third straight year as the starter. Finding more production around him will be paramount, especially after Penn State did not complete a single pass to a wide receiver on Thursday. Tight end Tyler Warren is headed to the NFL after racking up 105 receptions this season, leaving a huge void in the offense.
Warren received some consideration for the Heisman Trophy and was easily the most productive player on the field. Running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both have decisions to make regarding the NFL, too. The Nittany Lions have already added Troy transfer wide receiver Devonte Ross and USC transfer wideout Kyron Hudson to their 2025 roster, but they will likely be looking for another big addition.
Defensively, Carter is one of at least five defensive linemen set to depart this offseason. Safeties Jaylen Reed and Kevin Winston Jr. are headed to the draft, while safety Zakee Wheatley announced in December his intention to return for another year. Get more football roster updates at Lions247.
How to get insider Penn State football updates
The Lions247 team is bringing up-to-the minute updates on the latest transfer portal targets, staff news and 2026 football recruiting. You can only get it all at Lions247.
What will the 2025 Penn State football roster look like, and what shocking offseason moves are in store for the Nittany Lions? Go to Lions247 to get all the latest football news, all from a team of dialed-in insiders, and find out.
And reminder, Lions247 is offering 50% off an annual VIP membership, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for an annual subscription to Lions247. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
