The NFL released the official list of 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis (Feb. 23 - March 2), and despite a 3-4 record and a mid-season coaching change, Penn State’s roster remains one of the most respected in the eyes of professional scouts.

Nine Nittany Lions received invitations to the league’s premier pre-draft event. This figure ties for the program’s highest mark in the James Franklin era (trailing only the 2018 and 2022 stats), creating a stark and painful contrast between the team’s on-field results in 2025 and the individual talent that walked out the door.

The “Talent vs. Results” Paradox

For Penn State fans, this list serves as a final, frustrating validation of the narrative that defined the end of the previous coaching regime: the talent was championship-caliber, but the production was not.

The offense, which struggled mightily during the 0-5 Big Ten start that led to Franklin’s dismissal, sends five players to Indianapolis, including the entire starting backfield and key offensive linemen.

The Offensive Invites

• Drew Allar (QB): Despite the season-ending injury against Northwestern that derailed his senior campaign, Allar’s physical tools and early-season tape were enough to secure an invite. He faces arguably the most critical medical check of any quarterback in Indy.
• Nick Singleton (RB): The former Freshman of the Year enters the Combine as one of the draft’s most explosive athletes. Scouts will be eager to see his 40-yard dash time, which is expected to be in the 4.3s.
• Kaytron Allen (RB): “Fatman” provides a perfect foil to Singleton’s speed. His invitation confirms that NFL teams value his vision and contact balance, projecting him as a potential Day 2 steal.
• Vega Ioane (OL): The massive guard declared early, betting on his raw power and improved mobility.
• Drew Shelton (OT): Penn State’s left tackle offers the length and pass-protection upside that NFL teams covet at the premium position.
• Khalil Dinkins (TE): A surprising but deserved invite, Dinkins showcases the athletic profile (size/speed ratio) that teams look for in modern “F” tight ends.

The Defensive Invites

• Dani Dennis-Sutton (DE): Trusted to test off the charts physically. He fits the mold of the prototypical 4-3 defensive end.
• Zane Durant (DT): An undersized but explosive interior disruptor who will rely on his agility drills to climb draft boards.
• Zakee Wheatley (S): The turnover-focused safety offers the ball skills and length that defensive coordinators prioritize in the deep middle.

What This Means for Matt Campbell

For new head coach Matt Campbell, this list is a double-edged sword.

The Positive: It proves that Penn State can recruit and develop NFL talent at an elite clip. Campbell can walk into any living room in America—or any high school in Pennsylvania—and point to the fact that nine players from a “down year” are essentially entering job interviews for multi-million dollar contracts. It reinforces the “Penn State to NFL” pipeline is broken for no one.

The Challenge: He has to replace them. The “Ames East” rebuild is not just about changing the culture; it is about replacing nearly 6,000 snaps of production. The roster turnover is immense. While the incoming transfer class (led by the Iowa State defectors) addresses some needs, replacing top-tier NFL athleticism with system-fit transfers is the gamble that defines the 2026 offseason.

The Combine begins February 23rd at Lucas Oil Stadium.