Pair of Penn State football veterans announce return for 2025

The good news keeps pouring in for James Franklin and Penn State football, as two more veteran contributors announced their plans to return for 2025 on Tuesday afternoon.

Redshirt senior+ defensive lineman Smith Vilbert was the first to announce his return, using the simple message “one more ride” on his X account.

Vilbert has spent six seasons in Happy Valley, but missed the entire 2023 season with injury. He appeared in every game this fall, recording 12 tackles.

One more Ride!!#haitansensation. pic.twitter.com/srctgBpoHT

— Smithvilbert (@Smithvilbert2) January 14, 2025

On the opposite side of the line, center Nick Dawkins followed with his announcement moments later. Starting all 16 games, Dawkins was a critical component of the Penn State front in 2024.

“We had a great season this year, but there is still unfinished business,” Dawkins wrote in a statement. ” That is why I have decided I will forgo the NFL Draft and return to Penn State for my sixth and final season in 2025.”

1 more… For the Glory of Old State 🦁 pic.twitter.com/UuOhq3I8uB

— Nick Dawkins (@TheNickDawkins) January 14, 2025

Penn State football NFL Draft tracker

Vilbert and Dawkins become the seventh and eighth Nittany lions to announce their return to Penn State football for 2025. On Monday, Penn State earned a massive boost with the announced return of Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Dani Dennis-Sutton.

Outgoing:

KJ Winston, S – declared for NFL Draft on December 12.

Abdul Carter, DE – declared for NFL Draft on January 10.

Jalen Kimber, CB – declared for NFL Draft on January 12.

Jaylen Reed, S – declared for NFL Draft on January 12.

Returning:

Drew Allar, QB – announced return on December 16.

Zakee Wheatley, S – announced return on December 23.

Zane Durant, DT – announced return on January 11.

Nicholas Singleton, RB – announced return on January 13.

Kaytron Allen, RB – announced return on January 13.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE – announced return on January 13.

Smith Vilbert, DE – announced return on January 14.

Nick Dawkins, OL – announced return on January 14.

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