The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and it's the defensive players' turn to shine. Among them are three former Penn State standouts: defensive tackle Zane Durant, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, and safety Zakee Wheatley, each eager to make their mark.
Pressure Points: Penn State's Trio at the Combine
The early days at the Combine are all about interviews, both with the media and NFL teams. Zane Durant was the first of the Nittany Lions to step up to the podium, sharing insights that go beyond the field.
"Handling adversity," Durant emphasized, was the biggest lesson from his return to Penn State for the 2025 season. "We were used to winning during my first three years, so last season's challenges were a new experience. It prepared me for the next step, teaching me to anticipate and adapt."
The Nittany Lions faced a rollercoaster season. Ranked No. 2 in the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll and with a Heisman hopeful at quarterback, expectations were sky-high. However, the season took unexpected turns, including a mid-season coaching change, and ended with a scramble to secure a non-playoff bowl game.
For Durant and his teammates eyeing the 2026 NFL Draft, the season might have seemed like a setback. Yet, Durant sees it differently, using the experience as a testament to resilience. Penn State's ability to rally in tough times speaks volumes to NFL scouts, who value character as much as athletic prowess.
In 2025, Durant's stats included 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two passes defensed, and one interception. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 89 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three passes defensed, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
As the Combine progresses, Durant and his fellow Nittany Lions will continue to showcase not just their skills, but the grit and determination forged in the crucible of a challenging season. NFL teams are watching closely, looking for players who can bring that same tenacity to their locker rooms.