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Penn State football has shown resilience over the past 25 years, thriving despite challenges on and off the field.A reporter who has covered the team since 1994 ranks the top 25 Penn State football players of the last 25 years based on impact, value, and place in school history.
Penn State football has been perhaps the nation’s most resilient program over the past 25 years.
The Nittany Lions have recovered and even thrived through some of the toughest times on the field (four losing seasons in five years) and off it (the Jerry Sandusky scandal, NCAA sanctions).
Through it all, Penn State has been uplifted by some of its most legendary players starring in some of its most iconic games. It has won three Big Ten Championships, made its first College Football Playoff appearance and is a top 2025 national title contenders under coach James Franklin.
Who are the top 25 Nittany Lions of the past 25 years?
Having covered PSU since its undefeated Rose Bowl season season of 1994, here’s my ranking for the last quarter century based on players’ impact, value and place in school history.
25. Alan Zemaitis, cornerback (2003-05)
No PSU defensive back made more big plays in the past quarter century. Alan Zemaitis was the ultimate leader who backed up his blunt, tough talk with striking moments. From scoring dramatic touchdowns via interception (Ohio State, 2003) and fumble (Michigan, 2005) to clinching a Big Ten Championship at Michigan State with three INTs.
The two-time All-Big Ten pick was a second-team All-American in 2005.
24. Jordan Stout, punter/kicker (2019-21)
Jordan Stout was one of top punters in school history and its best long-range kicker.
The two-time captain boasts Penn State’s best punting average for a season (45.8 yards in 2021) and career (44.5). He was a second-team All-American and Big Ten punter of the year in 2021.
As a kicker, no Lion was better on field goal attempts of 50 yards and longer (making 5-of-9), including his PSU-record 57-yarder. He earned Big Ten honorable mention kicking status in 2021.
24. A.Q. Shipley, center (2004-08)
A.Q. Shipley may have been PSU’s top interior lineman of this era. The team captain twice earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.
He also was a first-team All-American in 2008 — the same year he won the Rimington Award as the nation’s top center.
23. KJ Hamler, receiver/returner (2018-19)
KJ Hamler was one of the most electric performers.
What the receiver and returner lacked in total production (never more than 904 receiving yards in a season) and seasons played, he made up for in game-changing abilities.
His lateral quickness and open-field speed remains unmatched. You remember Hamler. For how he saved the day against Appalachian State and Michigan and how he ran past big, bad Ohio State.
21. Deon Butler, wide receiver (2005-08)
No matter that he was one of the smallest players on the field. Deon Butler (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) was one of the most productive, reliable receivers in school history. It’s difficult to remember a pass he dropped.
He led the Lions in receiving yards three times and was a two-time All-Big Ten pick. He ranks third in career receptions (179) and receiving yards (2,771) and in single-game yards (216).
20. Daryll Clark, quarterback (2006-09)
Daryll Clark was much more than a Top 10 passer in school history. He was one of its top dual-threat quarterbacks and a superlative winner and leader.
He led the Lions to a 22-4 record, a Big Ten title and was a last-play loss away from an undefeated regular season. The two-time, first-team All-Big Ten QB shared league MVP honors in 2009.
19. Nick Singleton, running back (2022-present)
Nick Singleton’s dynamic, multi-faceted career will be defined by his 2025 season. Will he end as the school’s all-time leading rusher? Will he evolve into Penn State’s top pass-catching running back?
His blend of power and speed may only be matched by Saquon Barkley. The three-time All-Big Ten pick already is second in PSU career touchdowns, fourth in all-purpose yards and fifth in rushing touchdowns — despite sharing the workload with best friend Kaytron Allen.
18. Michael Haynes, defensive end (2000-02)
Michael Haynes remains one of the top pass rushers and most intimidating defensive linemen in school history.
The 2002 first-team All-American also was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. No Lion has one caused more fumbles in a season (seven). He’s tied for second, all-time, in single-season sacks (15) and third in career sacks (23.5).
17. Jared Odrick, defensive tackle (2006-09)
Jared Odrick boasted stunning athleticism and quickness in his 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame, obliterating opposing blockers by his senior season.
He led the Lions in sacks in 2009 (nine) when he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-America honors.
16. Jahan Dotson, wide receiver/returner (2018-21)
Jahan Dotson steadily grew into one of the program’s top all-around receivers and punt returners.
He produced the greatest individual receiving game in school history (242 yards vs. Maryland) on his way to first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American status in 2021.
He left PSU second in career receptions (183) receiving touchdowns (25).
15. Jimmy Kennedy, defensive tackle (2000-02)
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Jimmy Kennedy was the most dominating, unblockable defensive tackle of the past 25 years. He once demolished Wisconsin with five tackles for loss, including a school record-tying four sacks.
Kennedy earned All-Big Ten honors three times and was a first-team All-American in 2002.
14. Olu Fashanu, offensive tackle (2020-23)
Olu Fashanu made a stunning development from mid-level recruit into a two-time All-American and one of Penn State’s top blocking technicians.
He was the 2023 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year.
13. Tamba Hali, defensive end (2002-05)
The most impactful, all-around defensive lineman. Tamba Hali dominated when the Lions’ rising defense needed it most in 2004-05. His game-clinching sack of Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is one of the most iconic plays in school history.
The two-time All-Big Ten pick earned first-team All-America honors as a senior. He was a first-round NFL Draft choice.
12. Levi Brown, offensive tackle (2002-06)
Levi Brown is arguably the top offensive tackle in PSU’s Big Ten era. Twice, he earned second-team All-American honors.
The Arizona Cardinals made him the fifth pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.
11. Tyler Warren, tight end (2020-24)
Tyler Warren was not only the nation’s top tight end in 2024, he was one of the most versatile Lions. He’s arguably the top tight end in school history, alongside Ted Kwalick and Kyle Brady.
Warren lined up at nearly every position on offense in 2024 (including center) in producing a record-setting 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. The first-team All-American left PSU as a first-round NFL Draft pick.
10. Allen Robinson, wide receiver (2011-13)
Allen Robinson combined dominating size, leaping ability, sure hands and big-play panache like no other PSU receiver.
He made two of the top catches in school history on the same drive − in the four-overtime thriller vs. Michigan.
Twice, Robinson was named the Big Ten’s top receiver. He was a first-team All-American in 2013 when he produced the most prolific receiving season in school history (97 receptions, 1,432 yards).
9. Micah Parsons, linebacker (2018-19)
Micah Parsons may have been the most talented Nittany Lion on this list, if not of all-time. If only he would have played his junior season in 2020 …
He was a generational talent, nonetheless. He morphed from a reliable true freshman starter into one of the nation’s top playmakers, reminiscent of former Lion great LaVar Arrington.
The Big Ten’s linebacker of the year also was a consensus first-team All-American in 2019. His last Penn State game was his best: 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Cotton Bowl.
8. Abdul Carter, linebacker/defensive end (2022-24)
Abdul Carter was a multi-position star at linebacker, then defensive end.
He made that transition to edge rusher in gallant form in 2024, leading the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks. That earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-America honors.
7. Derrick Williams, wide receiver/returner (2005-08)
The All-Big Ten receiver was renowned for his multi-purpose skills.
Derrick Williams also dabbled at running back and even as a wildcat quarterback. But he was, perhaps, best at returning kickoffs and punts, earning All-American honors as a senior. His touchdown returns against Notre Dame (2007) and Illinois (2008) are iconic.
6. Dan Connor, linebacker (2004-07)
The case can be made for Dan Connor as PSU’s top linebacker since 2000 − if not of all-time. The PSU career tackle leader may have owned the best all-around skills of any in school history, equally adept in defending the run, the pass and rushing the passer.
The two-time, first-team All-American won the 2007 Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. His senior season of 145 tackles was the second-best ever for a Nittany Lion.
5. Larry Johnson, running back/returner (2000-02)
One of the top five PSU running backs of all time and an exceptional kick returner. His senior-season running was so prolific that it overshadowed his premium blocking and receiving skills.
The first-team All-American was third in the 2002 Heisman Trophy balloting after running for a school-record 2,087 yards. He led the NCAA in rushing yards (160.5) and all-purpose yards per game (204.2).
He still owns the top four PSU single-game rushing totals, led by his 327 vs. Indiana.
4. Paul Posluszny, linebacker (2003-06)
The greatest Penn State linebacker of all-time? Paul Posluszny’s combination of instincts, pursuit speed and brute physicality is among the best ever, anywhere.
The College Football Hall of Famer was not only a two-time All-American, he also won the Bednarik Award in back-to-back years, honoring the nation’s top defender. He was voted college football’s top linebacker (Butkus Award) as a junior before a knee injury in the Orange Bowl.
He’s second to Connor as PSU’s all-time leading tackler.
3. Trace McSorley, quarterback (2015-18)
The most prolific dual threat quarterback in school history. Trace McSorley is in the top three of most every significant Penn State quarterback statistical category, including No. 1 in single-season passing yards and career rushing yards.
He led the Lions to nine straight wins and their unexpected Big Ten title in 2016. He produced one of the best individual efforts in school history in a loss to No. 4 Ohio State — running for 175 yards (most by a PSU quarterback in more than 100 years) and passing for 286, all without a turnover.
2. Michael Robinson, quarterback/receiver (2002-05)
Michael Robinson holds legendary leadership status to go with being one of the most versatile and productive Nittany Lions.
He made the transition from the Lions’ No. 1 receiver in 2004 to one of the nation’s most prolific QBs the following season. He threw for 2,350 yards, ran for 806 and scored 28 touchdowns in 2005, earning Big Ten MVP honors and fifth place in Heisman Trophy voting.
Most importantly, he led PSU to within one play of an undefeated season and a possible national championship game bid.
1. Saquon Barkley, running back (2015-17)
Saquon Barkley may well be the most dynamic player, at any position, in school history.
His combination of power, speed and lateral quickness turned him into a national highlight machine during his two Big Ten MVP and All-America seasons.
The 2017 Heisman Trophy finalist may be remembered for his ‘how-did-he-do-that?’ moments more than his statistics and records. Like his long, weaving touchdown run in the Rose Bowl and his head-shaking domination of the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2017, perhaps the greatest individual effort ever at PSU.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.