Kaytron Allen will sit out the Pinstripe Bowl as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The senior tailback, who had been listed as questionable due to an undisclosed injury, will not take the field for Penn State against Clemson today. This adds to an extensive list of absentees for the Nittany Lions, who are already facing significant challenges heading into this matchup.
The lineup reflects a mounting injury crisis, with thirty-three players ruled out against the Tigers. Notably, quarterback Drew Allar will miss the game after sustaining a season-ending injury against Northwestern. Jaxon Smolik is also sidelined due to an injury from the game against Iowa. Bekkem Kritza has been designated as the backup quarterback, with Liam Clifford stepping in as the emergency quarterback.
The Nittany Lions will be devoid of Nick Singleton, who has opted out to enter the NFL Draft. In addition to Allen, major contributors such as wide receivers Kaden Saunders, Josiah Brown, and Peter Gonzalez will be unavailable. Tight end Khalil Dinkins has also chosen to opt out of the bowl game.
On the offensive line, injuries have piled up with Brady O’Hara, Owen Aliciene, and Liam Horan ruled out, while notable starters Nick Dawkins, Drew Shelton, Vega Ioane, and Nolan Rucci opted out ahead of the game. Shelton and Ioane are pursuing NFL Draft opportunities, while Alex Birchmeier has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
Defensively, the Penn State squad faces significant depletion as well. Key players such as Max Granville, Mason Robinson, Kaleb Artis, and Jordan Mayer are out, and defensive linemen Zane Durant and Zuriah Fisher have opted out, with Durant also declaring for the NFL Draft. Freshmen edge rushers Daniel Jennings and Chaz Coleman will not participate due to plans to transfer.
The linebacker corps is similarly affected, with Alex Tatsch, Kari Jackson, and Jackson Pryts joining Tony Rojas on the inactive list. The Penn State secondary faces major changes, as cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington II will enter the transfer portal, while two-year starting safety Zakee Wheatley will pursue NFL options. Additional absentees from the secondary include safety Antoine Belgrave-Shorter and cornerbacks Xxavier Thomas and Donte Nastasi.
Despite the numerous setbacks, the team will look to utilize its depth and resilience in their final game of the season against a formidable opponent. As the Nittany Lions face adversity, they have an opportunity to showcase their remaining talent and character on the field.