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 8.5 tackles for loss.

Abdul Carter could wind up as the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in April. Safety Jaylen Reed was one of Penn State’s most versatile players. But there’s an argument to be made that nobody was more valuable in 2024 than King. There was a steep dropoff at linebacker without him on the field.

King Mack began his college career playing for Penn State football; then he decided to take his talents to the SEC and the University of Alabama. After spending a season in Tuscaloosa, Mack decided to return to where it all began, announcing his return to the Nittany Lions.

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.

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. And now with Kobe King headed to the NFL? If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site,