Kobe King announces future with Penn State football program

Kobe King is moving on to his next chapter. On Tuesday evening, the standout Penn State football linebacker announced that he was forgoing his final season with the Nittany Lions for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“After looking back at everything I’ve cultivated here and reflecting on the lengthy conversations and prayers about the next step, I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft,” King wrote on social media. “I will forever bleed Blue and White.”

Arriving in Happy Valley in 2021, King finishes his Penn State football career with 27 starts and 46 games played. He totaled 200 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss as a Nittany Lion.

The redshirt junior made sure to thank the long line of coaches who helped form his journey at Linebacker U.

“The support from Coach [James] Franklin, Coach Manny [Diaz], and Coach [Brent] Pry – your guidance has helped me prosper over the last four years, both on and off the field,” he said.”

LB Kobe King is heading off to the NFL Draft. He developed into a tremendous player and a leader of the middle of the defense. Thank you @KobekingCTFB for everything and best of luck in the pros! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/YxAAosDXyg

— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) January 14, 2025

Starting all 16 games this season, King was second on the roster with 97 tackles. He also added 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Penn State football NFL Draft tracker

Kobe King now becomes the fifth starter from the Penn State defense to declare for the NFL Draft. All said, 13 Nittany Lions have announced their decisions regarding the NFL Draft. The deadline to declare is Wednesday.

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.

Kobe King, LB – declared for NFL Draft on January 14.

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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