Penn State tight end Tyler Warren just entered elite-level ‘conversation’

The senior set both program and FBS records against USC, a week after setting the Nittany Lions record for most TDs by a tight end. Not bad for a former three-star quarterback recruit.

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) has already set a pair of program records and FBS records in what's been a dominant start to the season for the No. 3 Nittany Lions.Read moreMarcio Jose Sanchez / AP

by Avery Hill

Published Oct. 15, 2024, 5:18 p.m. ET

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — For the members of the college football world who weren’t aware of what Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was all about, Saturday was the opportunity.

In the third-ranked Nittany Lions’ win over USC, Warren finished with 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 17 catches, setting both FBS and program records in the process. It came just a week after he set the record for career touchdowns by a tight end with 18 for Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten).

Not bad for a former three-star quarterback recruit.

‘A very different level’

In setting records for the most catches in a game in program history, most receiving yards by a tight end in the Big Ten, and tying the FBS record for catches by a tight end, he was named the Associated Press Player of the Week, and the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week, alongside Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, in addition to other notable weekly awards.

“It really just comes down to we do this all the time,” Warren said. “It’s not something that you should be surprised by or anything like that. I think that kind of speaks to our preparation and whatnot.”

What he didn’t expect was his performance. He didn’t aim to set any records — it just happened.

“I’m just doing my job each play,” Warren said. “I had more receptions this week, so the numbers were a little higher.”

Warren has delivered for his squad week after week, but he never puts himself ahead of his team. He was the one with the big day but said the performance simply speaks to the amount of weapons Penn State has. The attitude, paired with his performances, has given members of the program immense respect for him.

“Right now, he’s playing at a very different level,” said senior wide receiver Julian Fleming, who transferred to Happy Valley after four years at Ohio State, where he was a teammate of Heisman Trophy finalist Marvin Harrison Jr. “I think he’s playing the best ball that I’ve seen in a long time from somebody.”

Warren’s been in the program for four years but set career-highs in catches and yards in a season just six games in. With 40 catches for 513 yards and four touchdowns, he’s continued to be an X factor in the offense.

“That doesn’t even count what he’s doing in the running game, what he’s doing blocking,” coach James Franklin said of Warren’s records. “I’ve been talking about him being the best tight end in college football. But the reality is, he’s now part of a conversation of one of the best players in all of college football.”