Penn State football is in the thick of the offseason, but with spring camp around the corner, it is a great time to start looking at the players who seem ready to take that next step in 2025.
When the calendar flipped to March, it marked Penn State's second week of winter workouts. James Franklin told the media in February that Penn State is cutting back workouts because the 2024 season did not end until January 9.
Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren are NFL-bound, so who steps up in their places? As Penn State aims to be a top national title contender, several new faces will factor into those spots.
Those questions will likely be answered during spring practices and the spring game on April 26, but winter workouts give us a first glimpse at which player might have a leg up come spring ball. On Tuesday, Penn State assistants took to social media to give their top players from each position group after the third day of workouts.
Here is a look at five players standing above the rest from the first three days of winter workouts.
He is the heir apparent to Tyler Warren and the next great Penn State tight end. That is high praise for a player who just finished his true freshman season, but it is apt for the 5-star recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2024 class. Reynolds did not redshirt last season, playing primarily as Warren's backup. He racked up nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. Reynolds' most notable play was when he took a fake punt 32 yards to convert a crucial fourth own against Minnesota that kept Penn State alive for the Big Ten Championship game. He has a ton to live up to, but the early returns are impressive for Penn State's likely starting tight end.
DeLuca seems to have continued his strong play from the postseason into winter workouts. He was a defensive captain for Penn State last year and had a world-class performance against SMU in the CFP first round. In that game, DeLuca recorded two interceptions, including returning one for a touchdown, five tackles, and 0.5 sacks. He finished the year with 40 tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown. The former walk-on is likely one of Penn State's starting linebackers this season.
Elliot Washington II has received the recognition of cornerback coach Terry Smith after every winter workout so far. The junior cornerback seems to be in the process of taking that next step. With Jalen Kimber departing for the NFL, an outside corner spot is open. Washington is part of the competition to step in, and he might have the upper hand so far. Washington finished the 2024 season with 26 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception and a team-high six pass breakups.
The defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State, Zakee Wheatley, is back and looking to make another massive imprint on the Nittany Lions' defense. The senior safety racked up the third most tackles on the team in 2024 (95 tackles) while grabbing three interceptions, four pass defended, two fumble recoveries and one sack. Wheatley enters 2025 as Penn State's starting free safety and should be one of Jim Knolwes' most trusted leaders.
Kyron Hudson was on our list of top new faces to know, and that is likely to continue throughout the offseason as Hudson competes for Penn State's top wide receiver spot. The former USC receiver impressed wide receivers coach Marques Hagans, earning his recognition on day one of winter workouts. Hudson is known for his fantastic hands and big body frame. He made SportsCenter's No. 1 play last year after his tremendous one-handed catch in USC season openers against LSU. Penn State has not had a wide receiver like Hudson in a while, and he should be a playmaking target for Drew Allar this season.