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, first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by Carter via his Instagram account.
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 losses 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 the College Football Playoff semifinal Thursday was in doubt because of a shoulder injury, but was effective in his final game for Penn State. Carter finished with two tackles for losses and one sack.
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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.
This story has been updated.