Which Penn State player is "under-the-radar" in 2025, and who is for some of the Lions' opponents?
Stars power college football teams to national titles. But, for every first-team All-American or Heisman Trophy winner, many more players do their work at an above-average level to help their programs win, even if it’s a cut below the cream of the crop in the sport. It’s those members of the roster that ESPN chose to focus on in a recent piece picking out ‘sleeper’ players for every top 25 school, including Penn State.
The premise was simple. ESPN writes: “We’re taking a look at players who could be considered sleepers — under-the-radar players who could make a big impact — on each team in our post-spring top 25. From true freshmen who could make a name for themselves to players coming back from injury to transfers looking to make an immediate impact, there are plenty of players to watch for this fall.”
The Nittany Lions were number one in that top 25. And, senior center Nick Dawkins is the team’s representative on the under-the-radar list. After appearing in 26 games as a reserve over his first three seasons in State College, Dawkins started all 16 games of the 2024 season. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors from the media. And, he also won the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy for his work on and off the field.
Why is he a sleeper candidate in 2025?
More: Penn State season preview: Oregon’s offense brings similar plan and talent to the White Out
“Offensive linemen naturally get overlooked. And Dawkins is no exception. But he once again will occupy a vital role as Penn State chases its first Big Ten title since 2016 and its first national title since 1986,” Adam Rittenberg writes. “Dawkins is at the heart of an offensive line that has stabilized and excelled in recent years. The 6-foot-4, 297-pound senior has drawn excellent reviews from the staff and will lead a line protecting quarterback Drew Allar and creating space for running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Who would our pick be?
Dawkins is a worthy selection. He’d be on our list without question. My pick would be defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr.
Top 10
- 1New
Preseason CFB rankings
From No. 1 to 136
- 2Hot
SEC Football
ESPN ranks from top to bottom
- 3
Joey McGuire
Calls for series vs. LSU
- 4
Scott Frost
Fires shot at Nebraska
- 5Trending
Alabama chasing No. 1
Tide on recruiting roll
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
If he returns to the form he showed in 2024 before his season ended early due to injury, he will be a force to be reckoned with. And, that will quickly lead to praise locally and nationally. Let us know your pick inside The Lions Den forum.
Which 2025 Nittany Lions opponents made the list?
Three Penn State 2025 opponents are in ESPN’s post-spring top 25. The sleeper pick for No. 5 Ohio State is receiver Carnell Tate. He is a player who should not be forgotten about. However, that sometimes happens. That’s because he plays in the shadows of superstar Jeremiah Smith.
For No. 8 Oregon, the pick is receiver Malik Benson. With likely top pass catcher Evan Stewart now out with a long-term injury, Benson, a Florida State transfer, could shine.
Last but not least, running back Roman Hemby is the pick for No. 17 Indiana.
“Stepping into a Hoosiers backfield without a settled returning starter, Maryland transfer Hemby has the opportunity to emerge as Indiana’s leader on the ground in 2025,” Eli Leaderman writes. “Hemby hasn’t matched the 989-yard, 10-touchdown production he delivered in 2022 in either of his past two seasons. But he 6-foot, 208-pound rusher has averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in each of his past three seasons and can be a threat in the passing game as well.”
“Hemby has the potential to break through in a big way in 2025.”
