Penn State NFL Draft 2026: Eight Nittany Lions Selected as Program Continues Draft Dominance
The 2026 NFL Draft delivered another standout year for Penn State football, with eight Nittany Lions selected across all three days of the event in Pittsburgh. The program’s success underscores its reputation as a premier NFL pipeline, ranking seventh among Division I institutions in all-time draft selections. From first-round sensation Olaivavega Ioane to a historic pair of running backs, this year’s draft class reflects Penn State’s depth, and versatility. Here’s a breakdown of each pick and what lies ahead for these rising stars.
The 2026 Picks: Where They Landed and What’s Next
Olaivavega Ioane – Offensive Lineman, Baltimore Ravens (1st Round, 14th Overall)
Ioane made history as Penn State’s 45th first-round pick and the fourth guard in program history selected in the opening round. The Baltimore Ravens secured him at No. 14, a testament to his dominance on the offensive line. Ioane’s combination of power and agility makes him a cornerstone for a Ravens team rebuilding its front five. His selection marks the ninth consecutive year Penn State has produced at least one first- or second-round pick.
At 6’5” and 320 pounds, Ioane’s Pro Day performance—where he showcased elite footwork and pass-blocking technique—solidified his status as a Day 1 talent. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised his “rare blend of intelligence and physicality,” hinting at an immediate starting role.
Drew Allar – Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers (3rd Round, 76th Overall)
Allar’s draft journey took an unexpected turn when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round. The former Nittany Lion signal-caller enters a competitive QB room behind Kenny Pickett and veteran backup Mason Rudolph. While Allar’s arm talent and leadership were undeniable at Penn State, his inconsistent accuracy and decision-making under pressure raised questions among scouts.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith called Allar a “high-upside project,” suggesting a developmental path. If given time, Allar could leverage his 6’5” frame and mobility to carve out a niche in Pittsburgh’s offense. For now, he’ll compete for the No. 3 spot while refining his mechanics in practice.
Drew Shelton – Offensive Lineman, Dallas Cowboys (4th Round, 112th Overall)
The Dallas Cowboys added depth to their offensive line with Shelton, a versatile lineman capable of playing both guard and tackle. At 6’6” and 315 pounds, Shelton’s athleticism stands out, though his pass protection needs refinement. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy highlighted his “tremendous upside” and work ethic, noting that Shelton could push for playing time as early as 2027.
Shelton’s selection continues Penn State’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, joining the likes of Steve Wisniewski and Jordan Stout. His ability to play multiple positions gives Dallas flexibility as they retool their line.
Dani Dennis-Sutton – Defensive Complete, Green Bay Packers (4th Round, 120th Overall)
Dennis-Sutton’s selection by the Green Bay Packers reunites him with former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, now Green Bay’s defensive line coach. The 6’4”, 260-pound edge rusher recorded 11 tackles for loss in 2025, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst called him a “high-motor player with room to grow,” particularly in his pass-rush repertoire.
Green Bay’s defense, which ranked 12th in sacks last season, could benefit from Dennis-Sutton’s burst off the edge. If he refines his hand technique, he could earn rotational snaps as a rookie, especially in sub-packages.
Zakee Wheatley – Safety, Carolina Panthers (5th Round, 151st Overall)
Wheatley becomes the 400th Nittany Lion selected in NFL Draft history and the 16th defensive back chosen since 2016. The Panthers, who ranked 28th in pass defense last season, added Wheatley’s ball-hawking skills to their secondary. His 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons at Penn State earned him a reputation as a playmaker in coverage.
Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero praised Wheatley’s “instincts and versatility,” noting he could contribute on special teams immediately. With Carolina’s secondary in flux, Wheatley has a chance to compete for a starting role by midseason.
Nicholas Singleton – Running Back, Tennessee Titans (5th Round, 165th Overall)
Singleton’s selection by the Tennessee Titans pairs him with star running back Derrick Henry, offering a unique mentorship opportunity. The 5’11”, 215-pound back rushed for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025, displaying a rare blend of speed and power. Titans head coach Brian Callahan called him a “three-down back with elite vision.”
Singleton joins Kaytron Allen as the first pair of Penn State running backs drafted in the same year since 1996. While Henry remains the focal point of Tennessee’s offense, Singleton could see early carries in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Zane Durant – Defensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills (5th Round, 181st Overall)
Durant’s selection by the Buffalo Bills highlights his ability to overcome size limitations with leverage and explosiveness. At 6’1” and 290 pounds, he doesn’t fit the prototypical NFL interior lineman mold but compensates with quickness off the snap. Durant’s 11 tackles for loss in 2024 demonstrated his disruptive potential, though his production dipped in 2025.
Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington sees Durant as a “situational pass rusher,” particularly in third-down packages. If he adapts to the speed of the NFL, he could carve out a role as a rotational interior lineman.
Kaytron Allen – Running Back, Washington Commanders (6th Round, 187th Overall)
Allen’s selection by the Washington Commanders reunites him with his college rushing record predecessor, Evan Royster, who was also drafted by Washington in the sixth round. Allen, Penn State’s all-time leading rusher, enters the NFL with a point to prove after concerns about his top-end speed led to his late-round selection.
Commanders running backs coach Randy Jordan praised Allen’s “elusive running style and receiving ability,” noting he could contribute immediately on third downs. With Washington’s backfield in transition, Allen has an opportunity to earn a role as a change-of-pace back behind Brian Robinson Jr..
Penn State’s Draft Dominance: A Decade of Consistency
The 2026 NFL Draft marked the 14th time in program history that Penn State produced eight or more selections, a feat last achieved in 2024. Over the past eight years, the Nittany Lions have tallied 58 draft picks—their highest total in any eight-year span since 1987-1995. This consistency reflects the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent across all positions.
Key Program Milestones:
- 45 first-round picks: Ioane’s selection added to Penn State’s legacy as a first-round factory.
- 28 first- or second-day picks since 2016: The program ranks among the top five nationally in early-round selections over the past decade.
- 403 total draft picks: Seventh-most in NCAA history, trailing only powerhouses like Notre Dame and Ohio State.
Head coach Matt Campbell, entering his second season at Penn State, emphasized the draft’s significance for recruiting. “When you see eight guys get their names called, it sends a message to high school prospects that Penn State is the place to develop for the next level,” he said during a post-draft press conference.
What’s Next for the Nittany Lions?
With the 2026 draft in the books, attention turns to the upcoming season and the next wave of NFL hopefuls. Penn State’s 2025 campaign, which ended with a disappointing 7-6 record, served as a wake-up call for a program accustomed to contending for Big Ten titles. Campbell’s offseason focus has centered on rebuilding the offensive line and secondary—two areas where the Nittany Lions struggled last year.
Players to Watch in 2026:
- Malik McClain – WR: A dynamic playmaker with 4.3-speed, McClain could emerge as Penn State’s next first-round receiver.
- Tyler Booker – OT: A transfer from Alabama, Booker brings elite pass-blocking skills and could anchor the offensive line.
- Abdul Carter – LB: After opting out of the 2025 draft, Carter returns as one of the Big Ten’s most disruptive linebackers.
The 2027 NFL Draft could see even more Nittany Lions selected, particularly if the program rebounds with a double-digit win season. For now, the eight draftees from 2026 will look to make their mark in the league while inspiring the next generation of Penn State stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Penn State players were drafted in 2026?
Eight Penn State players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, matching the program’s output from 2024. This total ranks among the highest in the Big Ten and underscores the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent.
Who was Penn State’s highest-drafted player in 2026?
Offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane was Penn State’s highest-drafted player, selected 14th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round. Ioane became the program’s 45th first-round pick in history.
Which NFL teams drafted Penn State running backs in 2026?
The Tennessee Titans selected Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round (165th overall), while the Washington Commanders took Kaytron Allen in the sixth round (187th overall). This marked the first time since 1996 that two Penn State running backs were drafted in the same year.
How does Penn State’s 2026 draft class compare to recent years?
The 2026 draft class continues a trend of consistency for Penn State, which has now produced at least six selections in five of the last six years. Since 2018, the program has tallied 58 draft picks—the most in any eight-year span since 1987-1995.