Penn State CB Jalen Kimber announces 2025 decision

After one season with Penn State football, Jalen Kimber is off to the NFL. On Sunday afternoon, the redshirt senior cornerback declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“To Penn State University and Nittany Nation, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for welcoming me with open arms,” Kimber said in a statement. “This has been a one-of-a-kind experience that I will forever cherish.”

Kimber arrived in State College a year ago Saturday via the transfer portal. Despite playing five years, he could have returned to the Nittany Lions for a sixth year using eligibility from the 2020 COVID season.

“Coach James Franklin, the culture you have created is one of one, and this experience has been incredible,” Kimber continued. “You are a transparent, true leader of men, and it has been an honor playing under your leadership.”

🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/R5MAaxKq1y

— Jalen Kimber (@J_BOOGIE_6) January 12, 2025

Spending time at Georgia and Florida before arriving in Happy Valley, Kimber also thanked those who impacted him throughout his college career.

“To my coaches and friends at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your guidance, support, development, and belief you had in me,” he wrote.

Kimber appeared in all 16 games for Penn State football during its run to the CFP Semifinal, making 15 starts. He had 37 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three pass breakups as a Nittany Lion. Kimber finishes his college career with 76 tackles, eight passes defended, and one interception.

Penn State football NFL Draft tracker

© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jalen Kimber becomes the third member of the 2024 Penn State football roster to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. So far, all three Nittany Lions who have declared have come on the defensive side of the ball.

The Nittany Lions did get a key piece of its defensive front back, however, when standout lineman Zane Durant announced his return for 2025 on Saturday.

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 the 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.

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