The 2025 season is officially in the books for Penn State, and it ended on a high note. A 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl gave fans a final glimpse of what’s to come - and what’s still a work in progress - as the program heads into a pivotal offseason under new leadership.
There were plenty of takeaways from Saturday’s win, and as we close the chapter on this campaign, it’s time for one last “Stock Up, Stock Down” - a look at who made the most of their final opportunity this season, and who may have left some questions unanswered.
📈 Stock Up: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE
Let’s start with the guy who didn’t have to play - but did, and made it count.
Dani Dennis-Sutton could’ve opted out of the bowl game like many of his teammates with NFL futures on the horizon. Instead, he suited up, played 58 snaps, and flat-out dominated. The edge rusher racked up six pressures and two sacks, showing exactly why scouts have been buzzing about his upside at the next level.
More than just the stats, it was the tone he set. He played like someone who wanted to leave it all on the field one last time with his teammates, and he did just that.
“I don't really comprehend not playing,” Dennis-Sutton said postgame. “Leaving it out there with my boys one last time, it was perfect.”
That kind of mindset, paired with that kind of production, is exactly what NFL teams want to see. He’s expected to declare for the draft soon, and this performance will only help cement his case as a Day 1 or Day 2 guy.
📉 Stock Down: Mid-tier Draft Hopefuls Who Opted Out
Opt-outs are nothing new during bowl season, and for top-tier prospects, it’s often the smart business move. But for players still trying to solidify their draft stock, skipping the game can be a missed opportunity - and in some cases, a costly one.
Penn State had several players sit out who are likely to be mid-round picks or better - names like Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Zane Durant, Vega Ioane, and Zakee Wheatley. For them, the decision is understandable.
But others, like Nick Dawkins, Khalil Dinkins, Drew Shelton, and Nolan Rucci, may have had more to gain by playing. With no guarantees in the draft process, every snap of film matters - and for players on the fringe, showing up could’ve helped tip the scales.
Yes, there’s always injury risk - Kyron Hudson took a scary shot to the knee before returning to the sideline in uniform - but for guys still trying to prove they belong at the next level, availability remains one of the most valuable traits. And not playing left questions unanswered.
📈 Stock Up: Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph, CBs
With Elliot Washington II and A.J. Harris in the portal, the door opened for two young corners to step up - and they didn’t waste the chance.
Daryus Dixson looked like a future star, breaking up three passes and nearly coming down with a few interceptions. His instincts, ball skills, and physicality were all on display. Jahmir Joseph was steady and effective, finishing with five tackles and a pass deflection of his own.
Both freshmen made it clear they’re ready for bigger roles - whether that’s in Happy Valley or elsewhere. If they stay, they’ll be key pieces for Matt Campbell’s first season. If they hit the portal, they’ll be hot commodities.
📉 Stock Down: Corey Smith, RB
With Singleton and Allen out, the stage was set for Corey Smith to make a statement. But the performance didn’t quite land.
Smith got the start and carried the ball nine times for just 17 yards. Yes, the offensive line struggled early, but Smith also looked hesitant at times, dancing in the backfield instead of hitting the hole decisively. For a player with speed and burst, that indecision stood out.
This wasn’t a make-or-break moment for Smith, but it was a missed chance to lock down a bigger role heading into 2026. With Quinton Martin Jr. flashing in a big way (more on him in a minute), Smith will need to regroup and find his footing as the backfield picture evolves.
📈 Stock Up: Andy Kotelnicki and Anthony Poindexter, Coordinators
It’s been a rocky year for Andy Kotelnicki, whose offense struggled to find rhythm throughout the season. But credit where it’s due - he called one of his best games of the year against Clemson.
Even with opt-outs on the Tigers’ defensive line, Kotelnicki found ways to scheme open receivers, including a beautifully designed touchdown for Andrew Rappleyea. The offense found its groove late, and for once, it looked like a unit with some cohesion.
On the defensive side, safeties coach Anthony Poindexter stepped in as interim defensive coordinator with Jim Knowles off to Tennessee. His aggressive game plan stifled Clemson, holding the Tigers to just 236 total yards and keeping quarterback Cade Klubnik uncomfortable all night. Klubnik finished with a QBR of just 43.5 - a testament to the pressure and coverage Poindexter dialed up.
Kotelnicki won’t be retained by Matt Campbell, and Poindexter’s future is still up in the air. But both men gave themselves a strong final note to play in future job interviews.
📈 Stock Up: Young Talent and Reserves
If there’s a silver lining to opt-outs, it’s the chance for young players to get real reps - and several Nittany Lions made the most of their moment.
Freshman running back Quinton Martin Jr. stole the show, rushing for 101 yards and showing off the vision, balance, and explosiveness that made him such a coveted recruit. But he didn’t do it alone. The offensive line - featuring Eagan Boyer, Cooper Cousins, Dominic Rulli, and TJ Shanahan - stepped up in a big way, especially in the second half.
On defense, redshirt freshman safety Vaboue Toure tied for the team lead in tackles with seven, matching linebacker Amare Campbell. Defensive end Jaylen Harvey added his first career sack, flashing the kind of edge pressure that could earn him a bigger role next fall.
Even players who didn’t stuff the stat sheet got valuable game film - and that matters. With major roster turnover looming, these reps could be the foundation for breakout seasons in 2026.
Final Word
Penn State’s 2025 season may not have ended with a championship, but it closed with a win that offered clarity - and hope. Veterans like Dennis-Sutton showed what leadership looks like.
Young players proved the cupboard isn’t bare. And the program now heads into a new era with Matt Campbell at the helm, plenty of questions to answer, but also plenty of reasons for optimism.
The offseason starts now. And for those who made their mark in the Pinstripe Bowl, the future looks a little brighter.