For many of Penn State’s pro day participants, the Lasch Building and Holuba Hall look very different than the last time they were there.
Gone are the “1-0” graphics and all of the markings with former coach James Franklin’s four core values. And gone are many of the players and coaches they shared their college careers with.
That’s why, for defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, the return to University Park was unique.
“I’m trying to meet with everybody, trying to introduce myself to everybody, because it’s a whole new team,” Dennis-Sutton said. “I feel like I’m home, but I’m not at the same time because I’m reintroducing myself to everybody. But it’s been good. I’ve talked to Coach (Matt) Campbell and talked to the players. They all love him, so I’m excited for what they do next year.”
Dennis-Sutton was one of many participants — such as Nick Singleton, Drew Allar and Zane Durant — who praised Campbell and his new staff for how they’ve handled their transition to Penn State and what they’re building. Because, for many of them, it’s not about themselves or their head coach — it’s about Penn State and what it’s done for them and what they want for it in the future.
“It don’t matter who the coach is, I’m always a Penn Stater,” Dennis-Sutton said. “I love this place. I love this university. It gave me so many opportunities. Playing in Beaver Stadium was special, man. Honestly I’ll never forget that. Whoever the coach is, I want to be a part of it. I want to come back. I want to come to the games, all those things.”
And that’s despite a final year for all of them that failed to live up to expectations. The team was supposed to compete for a national title in the 2025 season but instead saw its head coach get fired at the midpoint. And the group had to scramble just to make it to a bowl game.
A process that began with one fateful loss against Oregon in late September.
“The reason why things went bad was because it snowballed,” Dennis-Sutton said. “We let the Oregon loss turn into the next loss, to the next loss, to the next loss and ultimately Coach Franklin got dismissed. I think I learned from it; think I’ve grown from it.”
That’s why, for center Nick Dawkins, this year will not be one that’s easily forgotten.
“How last season went is horrible,” Dawkins said. “And I have to live with that for the rest of my life. Me and Vega (Ioane) were talking about it yesterday. It’s just so disappointing, and I have to live with that. I know other people do, too.” Preparing for the next chapter
Despite their regrets about how 2025 went, Wednesday was not all about what happened in the past — it was much more about their futures and what they’re going to do at the next level. And for two key players, QB Drew Allar and RB Nick Singleton, it’s about recovering from injuries as they get ready for what’s next.
Allar broke his ankle in the team’s loss to Northwestern in early October, and Singleton broke his foot early in the draft process. That’s limited what they’ve been able to do. Singleton was unable to showcase his elite speed in the 40-yard dash, and Allar hasn’t been able to show he’s a better athlete than he’s perceived to be.
Despite that, both are optimistic about what comes next.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have great trainers around — here at Penn State when I first got injured it and great physical therapists out there that really helped me get to this spot,” Allar said. “… I feel like I could go out and play in a game right now.”
Said Singleton: “It’s definitely frustrating. But at the same time I’m grateful to be here around my brothers. My family’s here, and just to get to spend time with them, it means a lot.”
Notable:
• All four Penn State receivers ran the 40-yard dash, with Devonte Ross running a 4.45, Trebor Peña running a 4.52, Liam Clifford running a 4.57 and Kyron Hudson running a 4.64.
• Allar looked good as a passer, making some of the jaw-dropping deep throws that made him highly touted as a high school recruit and now as a draft pick. His range is wide on draft night, but it’s not impossible that he goes in the top 50 picks come late April.
• Several players said they hadn’t made plans for draft night, although DE Dani Dennis-Sutton mentioned his desire to be in Pittsburgh if possible.
