Edge
Junior (now in NFL)
Abdul Carter completed his Penn State career in 2024 as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American. After his standout junior season, he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected by the New York Giants with the 3rd overall pick on April 24, 2025. He signed his four-year rookie contract and is now in his first NFL season.
Abdul Carter is an explosive edge rusher who became the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American. Born January 2, 2004, in Philadelphia, Carter transformed from linebacker to elite pass rusher in 2024, becoming the first Nittany Lion to post 10+ sacks in a season since Carl Nassib in 2015. In 2024, he started all 16 games and finished with 68 tackles (43 solo), 23.5 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and four pass breakups. He became Penn State's 15th Unanimous Consensus All-American, first since Saquon Barkley in 2017. After his junior season, Carter declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected by the New York Giants with the 3rd overall pick.
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year returns for his junior season, leading a Penn State defense that must carry the team through offensive struggles.
Read MoreAbdul Carter's decorated Penn State career concluded when the New York Giants selected the dynamic edge rusher with the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After recording 12 sacks and a nation-leading 23.5 tackles for loss in 2024, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American signed a fully-guaranteed 4-year, $45.25 million rookie contract.
Read MoreAs a senior leader on the defensive line, Dani Dennis-Sutton's role has never been more critical as he tries to hold the defense together amidst a coaching change and offensive struggles.
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