Report: Penn State star Abdul Carter entering the NFL Draft
The Glenside native is projected to be a high first-round pick.
In the aftermath of Penn State’s 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, star edge rusher Abdul Carter will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Carter, a Glenside native, was a breakout star in his first year at defensive end for the Nittany Lions. He finished with 23.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, earning first team all-American honors and winning the Big Ten defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards.
His status for Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal was in doubt with a shoulder injury, but he played through his ailment and was effective in his final game for Penn State. Carter finished with two tackles for loss and one sack against Notre Dame.
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“Abdul, I’m really proud of him,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “He gutted it out today, showed tremendous mental and physical toughness and was disruptive in the game.”
Carter’s elite first step, relentless motor, and closing speed should have him in the discussion to be a top-five draft selection. He said last summer at his football camp that his goal was to be the top draft pick in the 2025 draft. His performance this season should bring him one step closer to that goal.