Tyler Warren opens up on decision to return to Penn State for 2024

Penn State football received a significant boost to its offense last week when TE Tyler Warren announced his plans to return for the 2024 season. The Nittany Lions pass catcher stated in his announcement that he thought the best was yet to come, starting with the Peach Bowl versus Ole Miss on Saturday. Today, Warren was asked about his decision to put off the NFL Draft for another year and what it means to have one more opportunity to play with this 2023 squad.

Tyler Warren focused on Peach Bowl despite decision to return for 2024

Christmas came a few days early for Andy Kotelnicki and the Penn State offense when Tyler Warren announced he was putting off the NFL Draft to return to Happy Valley next fall. Warren, who led the Nittany Lions in receiving touchdowns this season, is poised to play a significant role on a team that will look to make a College Football Playoff run in 2024.

But, despite what next year could hold, Warren isn’t ready to shift his focus away from 2023. Much like when asked about his decision during the regular season, the Penn State TE wasn’t willing to look too far ahead during Peach Bowl media availability Tuesday afternoon.

“I think there’s a lot of different things [that went into the decision], Warren said. “Obviously, I’m very excited about it and excited to get back, but I still think right now I’m focused on the Peach Bowl, and there’s a lot to accomplish with this team. Right now, that’s where my main focus is, but I’m definitely excited about it.”

Warren went on to state that there was no significance behind the December 22 announcement date. He had made up his mind, so he went public.

However, the one area where Tyler Warren was willing to elaborate was behind the meaning of playing in Saturday’s Peach Bowl game against Ole Miss. In his announcement, Warren expressed his excitement to play one final time “with a team I love and respect” in 2023. Tuesday, he discussed what his Penn State football teammates mean to him.

“Obviously, it starts with the guys and just what we do every day, every day in and out,” Warren said. “I work with them. I work hard with them. I sweat with them. Ups and downs, hardships and the good things. So, being able to play in one more game with this team and spend time with them is really special to me, and it’s important that I got down here.”

Warren’s presence will be a focal point for Penn State football in 2024

Tyler Warren was a fixture of stability in a Penn State offense that struggled to find any rhythm in 2023. Warren’s 295 yards were the third most among Nittany Lion pass catchers this fall, while he was fourth in the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns.

The TEs were a significant part of Penn State’s passing attack this season. Warren and Theo Johnson combined for 13 scores, almost half of the Nittany Lions’ total touchdowns through the air. With Johnson’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft, Warren will look to take on the TE1 role for the first time in his career in 2024.

Warren has proven to be a lethal playmaker during his 39-game Penn State football career. The Nittany Lions TE has 44 career receptions, 25% of which have gone for scores. As Penn State still looks for emerging talents at the WR position, it’s a very real possibility that Warren could be the Nittany Lions’ greatest passing threat heading into 2024.

Penn State football faces off against Ole Miss in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Saturday at noon in Atlanta.

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