Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant makes his stay or go decision; will he be back with the Lions in 2025?
Penn State junior defensive tackle Zane Durant will return to the Nittany Lions for the 2025 season. The Lake Nona, Fla., native announced the news on Saturday. It’s a major win for coordinator Tom Allen’s unit. It is set to lose a number of key pieces. But, it is now guaranteed to get at least one starter back up front. And, others could join him in running it back.
Durant certainly had a stay or go to the NFL Draft decision to make. While it’s true that he is not one of the 26 interior defensive linemen listed on Pro Football Focus’ big board for the next draft, he would have likely tested off the charts next spring and put himself firmly in the selection process conversation. Conversely, though, returning for another year will take his stock to a new level. He should be viewed as one of college football’s top interior defensive linemen heading into next season. That’s true even if he was somehow snubbed from making one of the three All-Big Ten teams as voted on by the coaches and media independently.
Through 16 games in 2024, Durant had 42 tackles (11 for loss), three sacks, a pass breakup, and four quarterback hurries. While those numbers are fine, his film shows a much more valuable player then those figures might represent. He is constantly beating blocks and creating opportunities for his Penn State teammates, like Big Ten tackles for loss leader Abdul Carter, to make plays. PFF ranks him No. 41 in pass rush productivity among qualifying interior defensive linemen. He is also 33rd in pass rush pressure created of any kind.
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What questions remain for the Penn State defensive line ahead of the 2025 season?
Right now, we know that Penn State will get Durant back and lose Carter to the NFL Draft. Junior defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton still has his stay-or-go decision to make. On the interior, the Lions will lose Dvon J-Thomas and Coziah Izzard to graduation. And, don’t forget that Hakeem Beamon, who left the team before the end of the regular season, also will not return.
It’s why the Lions have targeted defensive tackle as a position of need in the transfer portal. Landing at least one interior lineman for Allen and positon coach Deion Barnes to work with is a must. Two would be an added bonus. But, time will tell if that becomes a reality. After all, defensive tackles who can contribute right away are often some of the most popular players in the portal.
