Penn State Football Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Dani Dennis-Sutton Announces His Return to Penn State in 2025

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Robert Shields | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 8:17 PM ET

Penn State Football head coach James Franklin received massive news for the Nittany Lions ‘ defense in 2025 as star defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton announced his intention to return to Penn State next season.

Dennis-Sutton is a former five-star from the McDonogh School in Maryland who was named a third-team All-Big Ten defensive end by the coaches this season. After his freshman season in 2022, Dennis-Sutton was named a freshman All-American by ESPN.com.

How Dani Dennis-Sutton Boosts Penn State’s Defense in 2025

In his announcement to return to the Nittany Lions in 2025, Dennis-Sutton stated “We were on the brink of greatness, and that taste of what could be has only made me hungrier.” Dennis-Sutton continued “the job’s not done yet-we’ve got unfinished business to take care of together. I’m coming back more determined than ever to dominate on the field, chase that elusive championship, and leave my mark on this legendary program.”

In the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame, Dennis-Sutton posted his best game of the season, recording six total tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.

On the season, Dennis-Sutton recorded 42 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception in 16 games. Of his 8.5 sacks on the season, 4.5 of them were posted in Penn State’s three playoff games.

With the Nittany Lions losing fellow defensive end Abdul Carter to the NFL draft, Dennis-Sutton’s return looms large for Penn State’s defense. Dennis-Sutton will be a leader on a defense that is looking for a second defensive coordinator for the second time in two seasons after Tom Allen’s departure for Clemson. Dennis-Sutton’s return along with fellow defensive lineman Zane Durant ensures continuity on a top 10 unit this season and will play massive roles for the Nittany Lions next fall.