The Nittany Lions Make History with Five Selections in 20-Round Draft
In a groundbreaking moment for the Penn State football program, the Nittany Lions shattered expectations with a record-breaking five selections in Monday’s 20-round draft. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team and solidifies their position as a powerhouse in the world of college football.
Led by head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have been on a steady rise in recent years, consistently producing top talent and making a name for themselves in the highly competitive Big Ten conference. And now, with five players selected in the draft, they have proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Nittany Lions’ impressive draft class includes standout players such as linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end Jayson Oweh, and tight end Pat Freiermuth. These players have not only excelled on the field, but also demonstrated strong leadership skills and a dedication to their team, making them highly sought after by NFL teams.
This record-breaking achievement is a testament to the hard work and determination of the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff and players. It also serves as a reminder of the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the field.
As the Nittany Lions continue to make waves in the world of college football, it’s clear that their future is bright and full of potential. With this historic draft class
State College Dominates 2025 MLB Draft with Seven Players Selected
State College made a major impact on the professional baseball scene Monday night, as five Penn State players and two current State College Spikes players were drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Nittany Lions were well-represented, with outfielder Paxton Kling being the first off the board to the Texas Rangers in the seventh round (205th overall). Shortstop Ryan Weingartner followed closely behind, going to the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round (240th overall). Pitcher Ryan DeSanto was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 12th round (372nd overall), while pitcher Chase Renner was picked by the Miami Marlins in the 13th round (378th overall). Third baseman Bryce Molinaro rounded out the group, heading to the Washington Nationals in the 17th round (501st overall).
Penn State’s impressive showing in the draft tied them for the most draftees in the Big Ten and set a program record in the 20-round draft. These players were instrumental in the Nittany Lions’ successful 33-23 season last year, which marked the most wins for the program since 2000.
For the State College Spikes, pitcher Jacob Mayers was selected in the ninth round (268th overall) by the Boston Red Sox, while fellow pitcher Ethan Storm was taken in the 13th round (387th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays. These players were key contributors to the Spikes’ first half title in the MLB Draft League and their upcoming appearance in the championship game in September.
In addition to the current Spikes players, four former Spikes were also drafted on Monday. This includes 2024 pitchers Jaxon Delena (sixth round, San Diego Padres), Jamie Hitt (eighth round, Padres), and Hunter Alberini (11th round, Kansas City Royals), as well as 2023 Spikes outfielder Chase Call (16th round, Houston Astros). The State College Spikes organization continues to produce top talent for the professional level, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the MLB Draft.
