5 key position battles for Penn State during spring football

Expectations have been raised for Penn State in 2025. Coming off a run to the College Football Playoff semifinal game, the Nittany Lions are returning a roster that many feel puts the program in the thick of the national championship discussion. Some way-too-early projections have even gone so far as to predict Penn State will be the national champion next season. It is easy to get caught up in the hype this time of year, but the spring football practices coming up for the Nittany Lions will see plenty of areas that need to be worked on if any of that hype is to come to fruition on the field in the fall.

Penn State does return a roster built for another playoff run, and if it can fine-tune a few particular areas, then Penn State could have a real shot at winning it all in 2025. There are a few notable concerns for Penn State this spring that head coach James Franklin and his staff will have to iron out fairly quickly to get things on track for taking the next step toward being an elite program in 2025.

Here is a look at five of the most important position battles to monitor during spring football practices in Happy Valley this year.

Defensive end

Penn State will be set on one side of the defensive line with the return of Dani Dennis-Sutton, but the departure of Abdul Carter leaves a big spot to fill on the opposite end. How stiff the competition is for the vacancy remains to be seen because Zuriah Fisher is the most likely name to take over the primary role. Fisher missed the 2024 season due to injury but is expected to be back and ready to roll in 2025, and he will be the player to beat for the starting job.

But there are other names to watch here. Texas A&M transfer Enai White should make a good impression with his new team as he gets comfortable in his new surroundings and fans should expect to see him play a role in…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-key-position-battles-penn-104410638.html

Author : Nittany Lions Wire

Publish date : 2025-03-03 10:44:00

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