One of Penn State’s playmaking linebackers is expected to return for the 2025 campaign.
Dom DeLuca will return to the Nittany Lions on Wednesday for the upcoming season. The two-time captain still has one year of eligibility left after walking on Senior Day.
DeLuca returns with a lot of special teams and defense experience. In 2024, the former West Pittston walk-on also had a tendency to be there when Penn State needed him most.
DeLuca is skilled at making the big play. Most notably, DeLuca scored the opening goal with a pick-six in Penn State’s College Football Playoff victory over SMU in the first round. In the 38-10 victory over the Nittany Lions, he again intercepted SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings. At Minnesota, DeLuca also made an interception that helped change the outcome of a close Penn State win.
DeLuca was ninth on the team with 40 tackles at the end of his redshirt junior season. He played 360 defensive snaps before the Orange Bowl game against Notre Dame, splitting time as the third linebacker with Tony Rojas and Kobe King.
DeLuca was a four-year starter, three-time captain, and two-way star at Wyoming Area prior to attending Penn State. He threw two touchdowns in a 21-14 victory over Central Valley as a senior, leading the Warriors to their first PIAA title.
Additionally, DeLuca received preferred walk-on offers at UMass and Pitt after leaving the Wyoming area. However, he chose Penn State, established himself, and was awarded a scholarship in January 2023.
After the CFP victory over SMU, former defensive coordinator Tom Allen remarked, “It’s a testament to his grit and toughness to come here as a walk-on, earn a scholarship, and become a really, really good player for us.” He’s among the most intelligent athletes I’ve ever worked with. Above all, he is a talented musician. He is. He has been incredibly reliable every week. I’m so proud of him. He is deserving of every accolade he receives.
Now, in 2025, Penn State will have DeLuca’s intelligence and shrewdness.
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Johnny McGonigal