Penn State’s defense and special teams may not have landed any names on the All-Big Ten first or second teams this season, but that doesn't mean the unit went unnoticed. Three Nittany Lions earned third-team All-Big Ten honors, and a handful of others were recognized with honorable mentions-proof that while the top-line accolades may have eluded them, there’s still plenty of talent in Happy Valley.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, a senior defensive end who’s been a disruptive force all season, was named to the third team by both the coaches and the media. His stat line tells the story: 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and-here’s the eye-popper-three blocked punts.
That last number ties the Penn State single-season record and speaks to his motor and versatility. Dennis-Sutton didn’t just live in the backfield-he made plays in all three phases.
Joining him on the third team (media vote) is Amare Campbell, a junior linebacker who made an immediate impact after transferring in from North Carolina. Campbell led the team in total tackles with 96 in his first season wearing blue and white.
He also added 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a fumble recovery that he took to the house. Coaches gave him an honorable mention nod, but there’s no question he was one of the defensive cornerstones of the year.
On special teams, Gabe Nwosu earned third-team recognition from the coaches after stepping into the punter role full-time in 2025. He beat out Riley Thompson for the starting job and responded with a strong season, averaging 46.1 yards per punt.
That kind of field-flipping consistency gave Penn State’s defense a leg up-literally-week in and week out. The media also took notice, giving him an honorable mention.
Beyond the third-team selections, several Nittany Lions picked up All-Big Ten honorable mentions. That list includes kicker Ryan Barker, cornerbacks Audavion Collins and A.J. Harris, defensive tackle Zane Durant, long snapper Tyler Duzansky, safeties King Mack and Zakee Wheatley, and return specialist Nick Singleton.
While the top-tier awards went elsewhere, the depth of recognition across the board is a testament to the strength of Penn State’s roster. From special teams standouts to defensive anchors, the Nittany Lions showed they’ve got plenty of firepower across all three phases-and a solid foundation to build on heading into next season.