Ever since James Franklin took control of the Penn State Nittany Lions, the team has been consistently in the national championship discussions, though they are still awaiting their first title under Franklin's leadership.
Franklin's coaching has also resulted in many NFL stars coming out of Penn State during his time, including Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, and just this past draft, Abdul Carter went top three in the selections.
And in the 2026 NFL Draft, don't expect that to change, as the Pro Football Focus' Top 51 Big Board boasted not one, not two, but five Penn State footballers.
Quarterback Drew Allar led the way for the Lions at no. 17, then cornerback A.J. Harris at 26, followed by defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton at no. 29, then at no. 34 is defensive tackle Zane Durant, and rounding out the Nittany Lions at no. 45 is running back Nick Singletary.
Caleb Downs, a safety for the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, topped the list, bound to continue making an impact as he enters his junior year of play.
Penn State's five players on the Big Board led all Big 10 schools, as the school continues to press towards getting James Franklin his first national title.
The Nittany Lions were on the right track this year with a 13-3 record and a no. 5 ranking in the AP Poll, easily clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff.
After massive statement wins over SMU and Boise State, Penn State would fall short to the runners-up, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the semifinal, putting them back to the drawing board for the 2025 season.