Penn State star Abdul Carter sends cryptic message about status for Orange Bowl

Abdul Carter exited during the first half of Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl, ultimately watching Penn State football advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinals from the sideline.

While his status for next week’s Orange Bowl is still unknown, Nittany Lions fans anxiously awaiting news about the star edge rusher may have just received some breadcrumbs from none other than the standout defender himself.

On Thursday morning, Abdul Carter took to social media, posting the following picture on X.

pic.twitter.com/9eg2DsdQvn

— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) January 2, 2025

It takes a little science fiction knowledge to attempt to discern the meaning behind the message, but thankfully Barstool Sports producer Connor Griffin chimed in to provide the proper context.

Star Wars nerd here🙋‍♂️This is a picture of Darth Vader’s bacta tank (located on the volcanic planet of Mustafar)

Vader hops in this tank to accelerate the healing process for wounds and injuries. So Abdul Carter is probably healing fast and will take over the galaxy in the semis https://t.co/b2WmAiSKo6

— Connor Griffin (@RealCGriff) January 2, 2025

The image Carter posted is from Star Wars, showing Darth Vader submerged in a “bacta tank.” The tank is used to accelerate the healing process and treat injuries.

Carter seems to be suggesting that he will take the field when the Nittany Lions arrive in South Beach next week.

“With Abdul, I don’t know a whole lot,” James Franklin said immediately following the Fiesta Bowl. “We’ll get that checked out and see. Obviously, number one, the safety and health and welfare of our guys is priority number one.

“I know Abdul will want to play next week and he’ll do everything in his power to play next week, if he’s able to,” Franklin added. “We’ll find out more. I don’t have a whole lot more information than that.”

Penn State football will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia. Rescheduled after Wednesday’s tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans, the Irish and Bulldogs now play Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.

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