Penn State is a national championship contender thanks to a host of returning talent. Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and others could have left for the NFL. Instead, they decided to come back for one last ride — with unfinished business on their minds.
But Penn State won’t win it all without contributions from multiple under-the-radar veterans stepping up and assuming bigger roles.
Let’s take a closer look at some sleepers who are poised to take on more responsibility and play key roles in Penn State’s 2025 title push.
CB Audavion Collins: When defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was asked about A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington Jr., a pair of corners who have received plenty of offseason publicity, he quipped: “Don’t forget about Audavion Collins.”
It might be easy to overlook Collins, but Penn State’s coaches certainly aren’t. They’re expecting big things from the redshirt junior who transferred from Mississippi State ahead of the 2023 season. Now, after playing well in 252 defensive snaps last year, Collins is ready for an even bigger rotational role.
Penn State practice, Aug. 7, 2025
Penn State offensive lineman J'ven Williams runs a drill during practice on Aug. 7, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
OL J’ven Williams: Penn State believes it can win the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the country. Guard Vega Ioane is a preseason All-American. Drew Shelton and either Anthony Donkoh or Nolan Rucci will hold down the tackle spots. Center Nick Dawkins is a captain, and there’s a lot of hype around guard Cooper Cousins.
But don’t sleep on Williams. The former five-star offensive tackle from Wyomissing is working at guard this camp. Entering his third year at Penn State, Williams could be a key swing lineman.
Penn State vs UCLA , Oct. 5, 2024
Penn State defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. chases UCLA running back Keegan Jones the 27-11 win over UCLA on Oct. 5, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comPennLive
DT Alonzo Ford: Zane Durant is the star on the interior defensive line, but he’ll have a new starter next to him after Dvon J-Thomas and Coziah Izzard moved on. Ford is expected to fill that spot, but we haven’t seen much of him.
After spending three seasons at Old Dominion, Ford missed the 2023 campaign with an injury. Ford was playing well last year and gaining positive momentum down the stretch before another injury in November knocked him out for the rest of the season. Now healthy, there’s optimism Ford will be a key player in the trenches.
Penn State vs Kent State, Sept. 21, 2024
Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins hauls in a touchdown during the third quarter on Sept. 21, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comPennLive
TE Khalil Dinkins: Tyler Warren is gone, and five-star sophomore Luke Reynolds looks like Penn State’s next star tight end. But James Franklin said it clearly: “I don’t think enough people talk about Khalil Dinkins.”
Dinkins, a fifth-year senior, has been biding his time. The North Allegheny graduate had a significant blocking role last year, logging 482 offensive snaps. But he had only 14 receptions in 2024, bringing his career total to 23. Expect that to rise as Dinkins takes a more prominent role. “I think he’s got a very bright future,” Franklin said.
Penn State White Out
Penn State defensive end Zuriah Fisher celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback Johnny Dixon during the fourth quarter on Sept. 23, 2023. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
DE Zuriah Fisher: Fisher might be too well-known to be a “sleeper.” But Penn State fans haven’t seen a lot from the sixth-year senior.
Fisher didn’t play much in 2020 and 2021 and missed the 2022 and 2024 seasons with long-term injuries. The only extended look at the Aliquippa native was in 2023 when he chipped in 3 1/2 sacks. Now, Fisher is expected to start opposite Dani Dennis-Sutton — and there’s belief in the Lasch Building that he’ll shine.
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