The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, and it's a prime stage for nine former Penn State players to shine. These Nittany Lions are out to bolster their draft prospects, with scouts keenly observing their every move. Let's dive into where the mock drafts see these talented players landing.
Vega Ioane, Left Guard, 1st Round
Vega Ioane is catching eyes with several first-round projections. ESPN and NBC Sports have him going No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers, while PFF slots him at No. 14 to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Draft Network sees him at No. 24 heading to the Cleveland Browns. Ioane's been a key starter for Penn State, earning second-team All-America honors in 2025 after playing 11 games.
His presence on the line is undeniable.
Zakee Wheatley, Safety, Mid Rounds
Zakee Wheatley is showing Day 2 potential. PFF predicts a Round 3 selection by the Los Angeles Rams, with Sports Illustrated and The Draft Network projecting him to the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively. Wheatley was a veteran force in Penn State's secondary, racking up 74 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception, and a pass breakup last season.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Defensive End, Rounds 2-4
Once eyed for a first-round pick, Dani Dennis-Sutton now finds himself projected in the third round by A to Z Sports at pick No. 79, with PFF placing him at No. 84 to the Green Bay Packers. Known for his backfield disruption, Dennis-Sutton tallied 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2025.
Drew Allar, Quarterback, Mid Rounds
Drew Allar's draft projections vary widely. NFL.com has him going in Round 3 at No. 76 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Saturday Blitz sees him at No. 209 to the Los Angeles Rams.
ESPN ranks him as the No. 3 quarterback, and PFF lists him at No. 138 overall. Despite a season-ending ankle injury in 2025, Allar's career stats are impressive, with 7,402 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
He's set to throw at the combine.
Nick Singleton, Running Back, Mid Rounds
Nick Singleton is projected at No. 94 to the Denver Broncos by BroncosWire, with PFF placing him at No. 98 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ranked No. 120 overall by PFF and No. 8 among running backs by ESPN, Singleton broke his foot at the Senior Bowl and will miss combine drills. He leaves Penn State as the all-time touchdown leader with 55 scores.
Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Mid Rounds
Kaytron Allen's projections range from late Day 2 to early Day 3. The Denver Post and Sports Illustrated have him in Round 3 to the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, while Clutch Points sees him in Round 4. Allen is Penn State’s all-time leading rusher, amassing 4,180 yards, including 1,303 in 2025.
Drew Shelton, Left Tackle, Mid Rounds
Drew Shelton is a mid-round prospect, with Draftwire projecting a third-round selection. Vikings Wire and Bleacher Report see him going in the fifth round to the Minnesota Vikings. Shelton was a consistent starter last season, opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl.
Zane Durant, Defensive Tackle, Mid Rounds
Zane Durant is generating Day 3 buzz, with The Draft Network projecting a Round 4 pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bleacher Report giving him a fourth-round grade. Durant played all 12 regular-season games last year, recording 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and an interception.
Khalil Dinkins, Tight End, Late Rounds-Undrafted
Khalil Dinkins is ranked No. 188 by Bleacher Report and No. 398 by PFF. Known for his blocking prowess, Dinkins caught 14 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
Nolan Rucci, Offensive Tackle, Late Rounds-Undrafted
Though not invited to the combine, Nolan Rucci appears in a mock draft by Last Word on Sports, projected to go in the sixth round to the Detroit Lions. Rucci was a starter on Penn State's offensive line, appearing in all 12 regular-season games.
As the combine continues, these former Nittany Lions are poised to make their mark, with scouts watching closely to see who will rise to the occasion.