As the Nittany Lions prepare for winter workouts and spring practice, this article outlines Penn State’s top 25 players for the 2025 offseason. We will count down and analyze the top 25 Nittany Lions each week, Monday through Friday. Before the 2025 season and following spring camp, this list could change.
Our top 25 list is now down to the teens. So far, we’ve devoted a lot of time to dissecting young, gifted players like Dejuan Lane and Ethan Grunkemeyer who are set to have a greater influence in 2025. And that pattern is followed by the following player on our list.
We’re looking more closely at linebacker Anthony Speca at No. 19.
Why he’s here: With Kobe King leaving for the NFL, Penn State’s linebacker situation will change. King’s leadership, 97 tackles, and 748 defensive snaps—the third-most on the team—will be missed by the Nittany Lions. With their return, Tony Rojas and Dom DeLuca may both be able to start as middle linebackers. DaKaari Nelson and Ta Mere Robinson, two third-year linebackers at Penn State, are also capable of stepping up.
However, Speca is a fascinating choice. The Central Catholic standout appeared physically prepared for Big Ten football in his few appearances as a true freshman. Despite not enrolling early, he gained weight and ended the 2024 season at 6′ 1″, 226 lbs. Don’t be shocked if we hear the name “Speca” as a rapid riser during spring ball and winter workouts.
Career thus far: Four-star prospect Speca arrived at Penn State expecting to redshirt as a freshman. His participation in the Big Ten championship game and four regular season games did not count against the redshirt cap. Against Kent State, Speca recorded a season-high five stops and eight tackles on 59 defensive snaps. In 2024, Speca wasn’t required because King, Rojas, and DeLuca dominated the snap count. That may be different.
Quotable: He’s simply intelligent. Extremely intelligent and productive man. He played for Pittsburgh Central Catholic, a prestigious high school. Those guys are ready to play and have arrived prepared. That school’s academic program, in my opinion, aids in their preparation. The kind of program they run, even from a football standpoint. He just arrived and has shown himself to be a highly mature and business-minded individual.Franklin James, September 25, 2024
The main query is: Will Speca still be making an impact in 2025?
OFFSEASON’S MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS
QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, No. 25
No. 24: Running back number three
DE Enai White, No. 23
S King Mack, No. 22
LB Dom DeLuca, No. 21
S. Dejuan Lane, No. 20
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Johnny McGonigal