Penn State will have its offensive line leader back in 2025. Why Nick Dawkins will return for a rare sixth season

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will have his center back next season. Nick Dawkins, a fellow captain who started all 16 games at center for the Nittany Lions, announced Tuesday that he will return for a sixth year in 2025.

Center Nick Dawkins announced he will come back to Penn State for another season, his sixth year of eligibility with the Nittany Lions. Dawkins will be taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility provided by the NCAA as a result of the 2020 season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vilbert was part of a four-man rotation this season with Abdul Carter, who’s entering the NFL draft; Dani Dennis-Sutton, who announced Monday that he’s returning in 2025; and Amin Vanover, whose eligibility has expired.

Running back Nick Singleton, who has rushed for almost 3,000 yards, will return to Penn State for the 2025 season, he announced Monday on social media.

Dawkins was a team captain in 2024 and the Wuerffel Trophy winner, which recognizes community service in college football.

The Penn State Nittany Lions bring back four captains from their 2025 roster, including former walk-on Dom DeLuca.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - In an expected move, Parkland product Nick Dawkins has announced that he will return to Penn State for the 2025 season. That gives the Nittany Lions four returning offensive linemen next season, along with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.