As NFL declaration season unfolds for Penn State’s draft-eligible players following their College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame, the Nittany Lions received a major boost. On Saturday, just two days after the Orange Bowl, standout defensive tackle Zane Durant announced his decision to return for the 2025 season, delaying his NFL ambitions to continue anchoring Penn State’s defensive line.
Impact of Durant’s Return
Durant’s decision is a game-changer for the Nittany Lions. The junior from Florida has established himself as one of the most explosive and disruptive defensive tackles in college football, despite not always receiving the recognition he deserves. His contributions earned him an honorable mention All-Big Ten nod, a testament to his impact on the field, even if it hasn’t fully resonated outside Happy Valley.
Durant’s 2024 season was stellar, finishing with 11 tackles for loss, trailing only Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton on the team. His ability to create plays, both for himself and his teammates, has been crucial to Penn State’s defensive success.
Navigating Key Departures
Penn State faces significant losses on defense, with top talents like Abdul Carter poised to be a top-five NFL Draft pick and Dani Dennis-Sutton also likely heading to the pros. On the defensive line, the departures are equally pressing. Dvon J-Thomas and Coziah Izzard have exhausted their eligibility, and Hakeem Beamon exited the team before the regular season ended. Losing Durant would have compounded these challenges, especially on the interior, where depth is already a concern.
The Depth Chart
Durant led Penn State’s defensive tackles in snaps with 658, followed by J-Thomas and Izzard. Alonzo Ford, who logged 186 snaps, is recovering from a long-term injury, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2025 season. Beyond Ford, the remaining options are largely untested, with true freshman Xavier Gilliam and second-year Ty Blanding combining for just over 100 snaps.
This lack of experience makes Durant’s presence even more vital. His return not only bolsters the defensive line’s on-field performance but also provides a seasoned leader to guide the young and inexperienced players. Durant’s growth as a leader has been noted by teammates and coaches alike, setting the stage for him to play a pivotal role both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
With Durant at the helm, Penn State’s defensive line is better positioned to withstand the departure of key players and continue its dominance in the trenches. His decision to stay in Happy Valley provides stability and leadership to a unit that will be crucial to the Nittany Lions’ success in the 2025 season.
