Full Breakdown
Nittany Lions in the NFL: Week 3 Overview and Upcoming White Out Game
9/24/2025, 3:58:40 PM
Quiet Week for Former Penn State Players in the NFL
During Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, former Penn State players had a subdued performance, with no touchdowns or sacks recorded. Notably, New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter, who was drafted third overall, made his first career start. Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kobe King, a sixth-round pick, also saw his first defensive snaps. Additionally, three former Nittany Lions joined NFL teams: quarterback Sean Clifford signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, linebacker Curtis Jacobs joined the Giants practice squad, and wide receiver Dan Chisena signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad. Currently, there are 48 former Penn State players across 25 NFL organizations, with 32 players participating in Week 3 across 20 teams.
Performance Highlights
Several former Nittany Lions had notable performances during the week. Brenton Strange led the Jacksonville Jaguars with six catches for 61 yards. Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles recorded 18 carries for 46 yards and four catches for nine yards. Abdul Carter contributed four tackles, including one for loss, while other players like Ji’Ayir Brown, Jaquan Brisker, and Tyler Warren also made significant contributions on defense and offense. Kobe King recorded one tackle for the Vikings, while Mitchell Tinsley was targeted once but did not make a reception for the Bengals.
Upcoming White Out Game: Penn State vs. Oregon
Looking ahead, the Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face the Oregon Ducks in their annual White Out game, which is expected to be a significant recruiting event. Head coach James Franklin anticipates around 250 recruits will attend, including top prospects like four-star safety Kaleb Elkins and cornerback John Meredith III. Franklin emphasized the importance of this game for recruiting, stating, "We're going to have 250 scholarship players, and we're going to have 50 of the top players in the country."
The matchup is particularly notable as it marks only the second White Out game featuring two AP Top 10 teams. Franklin has highlighted Oregon's tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a key player, comparing him to former Penn State star Tyler Warren, who has made a strong impact in the NFL. Franklin noted, "I think the tight end really makes them go... He's a matchup problem in the passing game."
Official Statements & Responses
James Franklin expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the game, emphasizing the need to limit Sadiq's impact. He stated, "The Nittany Lions know the value of a great tight end, and Franklin knows limiting Sadiq's impact will be key in the White Out game on Saturday."
Criticism & Opposition
While the excitement for the White Out game is palpable, some analysts have pointed out that both teams have faced relatively weak opponents leading up to this matchup. Critics argue that the true test will be how each team performs under the pressure of a high-stakes game.
What's Next
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their showdown against Oregon, the outcome could significantly influence their season and recruiting efforts. The game is set to take place at Beaver Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric, further enhancing its importance in the college football landscape.
