Penn State football will have a new starting linebacker next season as Kobe King declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. King, a 6-foot-1, 248-pound redshirt junior, was second on the team with 97 total tackles and led the team with 8.

His time on the field was limited in 2024, but Penn State true freshman linebacker Anthony Speca had the look of an impact player in the near future. James Franklin and his defensive assistants may want to fast-track the 6-1, 230-pound Speca, who was a prep star at Pittsburg Central Catholic.

King became one of the leaders of the defense in 2024, finishing with 97 total tackles, three sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Penn State is losing another key defender for the Nittany Lions’ defense to the draft. Linebacker Kobie King announced on social media Tuesday that he is going to enter the upcoming NFL Draft. “I want to thank God for blessing me and allowing me to pursue my passion to the