Penn State Football, James Franklin Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts after defeating the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Penn State Football: Top-5 Returning Stars Who Could Deliver Nittany Lions a National Championship

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Brad Kulp | Last updated May 12, 2025 11:33 AM ET

Penn State Football is following a well-worn blueprint of the most recent national champions.

Returning a loaded lineup of playmakers on both sides of the football, and an experienced quarterback with three games of Playoff experience already under his belt, the Nittany Lions are generating significant buzz in the No. 1 spot on preseason top-25 lists , from Joel Klatt to ESPN to others across the industry.

Much of the optimism surrounding head coach James Franklin‘s program entering 2025 isn’t just that Penn State is running it back with championship aspirations, but that the last two champions; The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines each barnstormed to a national championship by returning a loaded and experienced roster.

Here’s a breakdown of the players who could power Penn State’s title charge.

Penn State Football’s Five Most Important Returning Stars

Dani-Dennis Sutton, EDGE

With Abdul Carter off to the NFL and the New York Giants, Dennis-Sutton now leads the Penn State defensive front. With 8.5 sacks in 2024, Dennis-Sutton looks to return and cause even MORE damage.

Add in Seniors Zuriah Fisher and Zane Durant, the pressure up front can come from multiple places, and make Sutton hard to focus on and block. If PSU is to stop teams before they get started, it needs Dennis-Sutton to pressure and get to the quarterback as much as possible.

Zakee Wheatley, Safety

Wheatley has turned into a steady, vigilant defender in the back of the Lions’ defense.

Penn State Football, College Football Playoff, Zakee Wheatley, Orange Bowl Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback A.J. Harris (4) and safety Zakee Wheatley (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

With 57 solo tackles, 4 passes deflected & 3 INTs, Wheatley has matured into a beast. Cornerbacks may or may not get burned.

It’s Wheatley‘s job to be the fail-safe. Offenses need to know that they will pay for taking shits his way. In order to keep opposing QBs honest, they need to be fearful of what Wheatley may do.

Drew Allar, QB

Penn State Football, Drew Allar Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

There’s only one question remaining for Drew Allar to answer: Can he show up big in big moments?

The senior signal caller is primed for an unbelievable season. Best backfield in the nation. Top wide receiver weapons. Elite veteran offensive line. And a second year with OC Andy Kotelnicki.

All of these pieces are in place to set Allar up for success.

If Allar continues to improve and mature, that’ll be the main key to leading Penn State to a national championship.

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Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Running Backs

Penn State Football, Nick Singleton Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) rushes for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Speaking of the nation’s most dynamic backfield … They’re back for another round.

The one-two punch of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen provides Kotelnicki with a ton of options and help his quarterback.

With both backs eclipsing 1,000 yards last year and a veteran offensive line, the PSU backfield will be instrumental in getting the Nittany Lions into a national championship game.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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