Penn State has made a remarkable run in the inaugural 12-team playoff, securing the No. 6 seed. The Nittany Lions showcased their strength by holding firm at home against SMU before traveling on the road to achieve a stunning 17-point victory over Boise State in the quarterfinals. This impressive journey has set the stage for an exciting matchup against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, where they will vie for a shot at the national championship.
Penn State’s Journey to the Playoffs
This season, the Nittany Lions have flown under the radar, which is surprising given their achievements. Much of the spotlight has been on Oregon and Ohio State within the Big Ten Conference. Despite this, Penn State finished the regular season with an impressive 11-2 record, with their only two losses coming against formidable opponents. The second loss was a tough one, falling to the Ducks in the Big Ten Championship Game. However, their two significant victories have propelled them into the forefront of the conference, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
Defensive Standouts and Draft Prospects
When discussing the Nittany Lions, it’s impossible not to mention their standout defense, particularly Abdul Carter, who proudly dons the iconic No. 11 jersey. Carter is not alone in garnering attention, as Penn State boasts another highly touted prospect in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren is expected to follow in the footsteps of former Nittany Lion Sam LaPorta, who made waves in the NFL, and is projected to be a first-round pick, ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Tyler Warren’s Draft Projection
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Warren’s stock is on the rise. He is anticipated to be one of the first tight ends selected, and his name is likely to be called on the first night of the draft. Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer has him ranked No. 24 on his latest big board of draft prospects, just behind Michigan’s Colston Loveland, who holds the No. 23 spot.
According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, which aggregates rankings from various outlets, Warren is currently viewed as the No. 17 overall prospect, placing him two spots ahead of Loveland. This is significant, as history shows that twenty-five tight ends have been chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2000, and both Warren and Loveland are poised to join that elite group.
Warren’s Impressive Career Stats
Tyler Warren has been a part of the Penn State program since 2020, where he initially redshirted and only participated in two games. Fast forward to now, and he has played in a total of 55 games, amassing an impressive 1,764 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns before the CFP semifinals. His breakout year came in 2024, a season to remember, where he caught an astounding 98 passes—the most in the Big Ten—totaling 1,158 yards and eight touchdowns. This performance has solidified his status as a top prospect heading into the draft.
Top Tight Ends in the 2025 NFL Draft
As we look ahead to the upcoming draft, the competition among tight ends is heating up. Here’s a quick look at the top prospects:
| Rank | Player | School | Overall Rank |
| 1. | Colston Loveland | Michigan | 23 |
| 2. | Tyler Warren | Penn State | 24 |
| 3. | Harold Fannin Jr. | Bowling Green | 56 |
| 4. | Oscar Delp | Georgia | 65 |
| 5. | Gunnar Helm | Texas | 89 |
| 6. | Mason Taylor | LSU | 95 |
Iyer has identified six tight ends in his top 100 prospects, and it’s clear that Loveland and Warren stand out in a tier of their own. The gap between them and the rest of the tight ends is notable, with Fannin and Delp falling into Tier 2, while Helm and Taylor are in a third tier. With the NFL Combine approaching, it will be interesting to see how these players perform and if their rankings shift.
The Road Ahead for Penn State
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their showdown with Notre Dame, excitement is palpable. Will they continue their impressive playoff run? With a strong defense led by players like Abdul Carter and a dynamic offense featuring Tyler Warren, Penn State has the tools to make a deep playoff push. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this thrilling chapter in college football unfolds.
The journey to the national championship is just beginning, and the Nittany Lions are ready to seize the moment. Can they bring home the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Penn State is a team that should not be overlooked.
