Penn State’s journey to the national championship concluded on Thursday night. Consequently, the team’s underclassmen can now focus on the draft; as anticipated, a leading prospect in the 2025 class will go professional.
Edge rusher Abdul Carter has made the choice to enter the draft in April, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The junior has been anticipated to pursue that path since his season concluded, and he is currently positioned to be among the top players chosen on either side of the field. Carter had an outstanding 2024 season, marking his first year moving from inside linebacker to defensive end.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound player accumulated 11 sacks during his initial two seasons, yet he exceeded that number this year. His sack in Thursday’s CFP semifinal defeat against Notre Dame marked his 12th of the season; Carter also recorded 24 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles throughout the year. These totals contributed to his victory in the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award as well as consensus All-American recognition. He is the first Nittany Lion to receive that honor since Saquon Barkley in 2017.
Multiple edge rushers are viewed as certainties to be selected in the first round, but Carter has consistently been regarded as the top choice at the position. He occupies the top position on ESPN’s Scouts Inc. board, whereas Mel Kiper ranks him second overall, just behind two-way Colorado standout Travis Hunter. Numerous teams will express interest in the upcoming months as they assess this year’s leading contenders.
With the Titans, Browns, and Giants holding the top three positions in the 2025 draft order, quarterback seems likely to be a key focus at the top of the list. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders might get selected before Carter, but when teams without an urgent QB requirement are on the clock — the Patriots and Jaguars hold the fourth and fifth picks respectively — he will undoubtedly be a player to monitor.
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