The 2024 NFL Draft, held in Detroit, Michigan from April 25-27, saw eight Penn State football players selected, marking another standout year for the program. In addition, two other Nittany Lions signed with teams as unrestricted free agents, underscoring the university’s ongoing contribution to professional football talent.
Topping the list of drafted players, offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu was selected in the first round as the 11th overall pick by the New York Jets, followed by defensive end Chop Robinson, who went to the Miami Dolphins as the 21st pick. Other notable selections included Caedan Wallace, another offensive lineman, who was picked by the New England Patriots in the third round.
Additional draftees include Adisa Isaac to the Baltimore Ravens, Theo Johnson to the New York Giants, Hunter Nourzad to the Kansas City Chiefs, Daequan Hardy to the Buffalo Bills, and Kalen King, who was picked last in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers.
This draft success adds to a notable period for Penn State, which has now seen 46 players drafted over the last seven years—the highest in a similar span since 1991-97. Continuing a seven-year streak, Penn State has sent five or more players to the NFL each year since 2018, echoing the program’s prowess from 1978 to 1984.
Moreover, Penn State remains in elite company with the University of Southern California and Louisiana State University, having had players selected in the first three rounds for 19 consecutive years.
On the free agency front, linebacker Curtis Jacobs signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and defensive back Keaton Ellis joined the Tennessee Titans. Additionally, running back Trey Potts received a minicamp invite from the Chiefs.
As the Nittany Lions continue to leave a substantial imprint on the NFL, the university’s legacy of football excellence remains firmly intact, with 389 players drafted all-time, ranking seventh among Division I institutions.