Penn State will be well-represented at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that runs from Feb. 23 through March 2.
Nine Nittany Lions received invites to the combine – quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, tight end Khalil Dinkins, offensive tackle Drew Shelton, offensive guard Vega Ioane, defensive tackle Zane Durant, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and safety Zakee Wheatley.
A total of 319 players were invited to this year’s combine, a marquee NFL event ahead of the 2026 NFL draft later in the spring.
Seven of the nine Penn State players were part of former head coach James Franklin’s heralded 2022 recruiting class. Dinkins and Wheatley were members of the 2021 class.
Here are a few notes on Penn State’s invitees.
Penn State vs Ohio State, Nov. 1, 2025
Injured Penn State quarterback Drew Allar hangs out on the bench jusyt after the team arrived for the Ohio State game on Nov. 1, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.
Allar. The veteran quarterback had his season cut short due to a left ankle injury suffered against Northwestern in October. Allar had surgery to repair his ankle a few days after suffering the injury
Allen. The hard charging back ran for more than 1,300 yards during his final season. Allen leaves the Lions’ program as Penn State’s all-time rushing leader with 4,180 yards.
Singleton. The Pennsylvania prep star from Governor Mifflin is No. 4 on Penn State’s all-time rushing list with 3,461 yards, Singleton is the program leader in total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and all-purpose yards.
Singleton broke his right foot while participating in Senior Bowl workouts late last month.
Penn State vs Indiana, Nov. 8, 2025
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer throws to tight end Khalil Dinkins during the fourth quarter on Nov. 8, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Dinkins. The athletic tight end caught 14 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns last season. Dinkins also made significant strides as a blocker the last two years.
Ioane. A powerful offensive lineman who earned All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, Ioane left PSU after his redshirt junior season.
Ioane is viewed as a likely first-round pick and the most talented interior offensive lineman available in the 2026 NFL draft.
Shelton. A key contributor at tackle since his true freshman season of 2022, Shelton can handle both tackle spots.
Penn State vs Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, Dec. 27, 2025
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton sacks Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik during the fourth quarter of the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27, 2025 at Yankee Stadium. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Dennis-Sutton. The five-star recruit put up impressive numbers during his final two seasons in State College, totaling 25 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and six pass breakups.
Dennis-Sutton also blocked three kicks in 2025.
Durant. An explosive interior lineman, Durant produced 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, a quarterback hurry, two pass breakups and he intercepted a pass in 2025.
A year earlier, Durant was credited with 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and four quarterback hurries.
Wheatley. The rangy safety was second on PSU in tackles last season with 74, adding two tackles for loss, an interception, three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
Wheatley racked up 96 tackles in 2024, adding 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.