Penn State has one of the most loaded rosters in the nation. That does not mean that there won't be surprising campaigns from several breakout stars.
Penn State, no matter where you look on the roster, are stocked to the brim with bona-fide stars. From Drew Allar to Dani Dennis-Sutton, the abundance of talent on the squad is clear. Nevertheless, that does not mean that there won't be a myriad number of opportunities for certain players to break out. Whether they be transfers looking to make a mark on their new team, or young guys waiting for that star-turning moment, the Nittany Lions are primed to keep the pipeline chugging right along. Here are some potential breakout candidates for the 2025 season.
5. Daryus Dixon, CB
While entrenched as a third-stringer to start the year, Penn State fans should begin to get to know Dixon's name by the end of the year. The former four star recruit turned redshirt freshman is only expected to get rotational snaps this season but rumors from Happy Valley are that Dixon will almost definitely shine when and if he gets his chance to. He is a consistent winner at the line at scrimmage and is physical yet still sound in his technique. Plus, he has the added bonus of learning behind one of the best corners in the country in AJ Harris, so there is no sweat should Dixon take his time. But if he does eventually carve out a role this season, look for it to be of great effect.
4. King Mack, S
Mack is almost certainly no stranger to Happy Valley. He is unfamiliar however, to the pressures placed on the Nittany Lions, especially this season. In his second stint with the Nittany Lions after transferring back in from Alabama, Mack will finally get the chance to make his mark. Only credited with two solo tackles and a QB hurry in his lone season at Happy Valley thus far, Mack never really got the respect he felt he coveted. This year though, in a wide open safety room, Mack will get his fair share of snaps. Look for him to make the most of them in a potential shock junior season.
3. J'Ven Williams, OL
It's weird for Penn State fans to consider the O-lineman a developmental project for now. After all, Williams is a five-star recruit with elite positional versatility. That just goes to show how hard it is to break through along one of the country's most experience O-lines. On the other hand, that just gives Williams more time to grow and mature. In the snaps he had last season, he at the very least got to understand what it took to play along that kind of line. This season may be more of the same. Williams will be a better player for it and as a result, Penn State fans will start to believe that Williams is truly a player who will usher in the next generation of elite O-linemen for the Nittany Lions.
2. Enai White, DE
Another transfer, White may have a tougher time than some others on this list of breaking through. That does not mean that White won't get his chances though. Only appearing in 13 games with Texas A&M throughout his career, White came to Happy Valley to leave an imprint on an important season for his new squad. Despite the fact he will be playing behind perhaps Penn State's best player in Dani Dennis-Sutton, White will see more of the field and be entrusted with even more responsibilities than before. With his sure athleticism and elite movement at his size, I'm sure he'll be able to handle it.
1. Khalil Dinkins, TE
While it seems cliche to say that the TE replacing an all-world star from last year will break through in his first full season as a starter, it will ring true for a player of Dinkins' caliber especially. He might have the toughest job of all the players on his list, but is bestowed with the most talent requisite of the bunch. Having the ability to sit behind Tyler Warren last season helped him grow mightily as a player and most importantly as a leader. While they have two completely disparate playing styles, with Dinkins much more physical and aggressive at the catch point, he adds a much more intriguing and diverse tenor to this offense. Look for him to thrive in the red zone and along the sidelines as he uses his elite body control to extend drives. It will take a village to replace Warren's production, and Dinkins will be a huge part of it.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Top 5 breakout candidates for Penn State in 2025
Category: General Sports
