There are a few iconic characteristics of Penn State football. These include white helmets, jerseys with no last names, and black cleats. These also include the dominance of Penn State’s linebackers. It has been called Linebacker U, and for good reason. The #11 jersey brings the history of icons like LaVar Arrington, Brandon Bell, Navorro Bowman, Micah Parsons, and most recently Abdul Carter. However, could Carter’s move from linebacker to defensive end be a signal? Are Penn State’s linebackers the strongest position on the team anymore?
As recently as the thrilling overtime win over USC, Penn State’s best player was on offense. Synonymous with other games this season, that player was not the quarterback, not one of the star running backs, and not a wide receiver. It was tight end Tyler Warren. Warren’s continued development is the latest case in point that Penn State is moving from Linebacker U to Tight End U.
Penn State Becoming Tight End U, Through Tradition
Warren is the latest star tight end at Penn State. However, he is far from the only standout at the position for the Nittany Lions. Over the past decade, there has been no production shortage from the tight ends. The tight end has recently been Drew Allar’s favorite target within the offense.
Two tight ends were tied for second on the team in receptions in 2023. Theo Johnson and Warren both had 34 catches. Warren had 422 yards (second on the team), while Johnson produced 341 yards, good for third on the squad. They each had seven touchdown receptions, tied for the team lead. Even in 2022, with touchdowns contributed by Brenton Strange (five touchdowns), Johnson (four), Warren (three), and Khalil Dinkins (one), the Penn State tight ends led the Big Ten with 13 receiving touchdowns. That figure was also good enough for second in the country.
A good barometer for the success of Penn State’s tight ends is their ability to translate to the NFL. Over the past decade, five Nittany Lion tight ends were drafted to play at the next level. Those picks were earned by Jesse James (fifth round in 2015), Mike Gesicki (second round in 2018), Pat Freiermuth (second round in 2021), Strange (second round in 2023), and Johnson (fifth round in 2024). Barring something unforeseen, Warren should continue the pattern.
Coaching’s Role in Penn State Becoming Tight End U
Ty Howle coaches the tight ends at Penn State. As described in the Penn State season preview of the tight ends, he is in his fifth season as a Penn State coach. This is his fourth as tight ends coach. Over that time, he has become one of the best tight end coaches in the country.
In addition to Howle, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is taking advantage of the skill and athleticism Penn State has at tight end. For example, on Penn State’s first offensive drive in the win over USC, Warren lined up at quarterback, ran for four yards as a running back, and caught five passes. A subplot of games is quickly becoming what Warren will do next.
The Mackey Award (or More) Coming to Linebacker U?
The John Mackey Award is given annually to the nation’s top tight end. Despite the success of Penn State’s tight ends, the hardware has remained elusive. Brock Bowers of Georgia won the award the past two seasons. In 2024, the Mackey Award named Warren Tight End of the Week for Week Two following the win over Bowling Green. Additionally, he should be a slam dunk to win weekly accolades for Week Seven’s performance against USC. However, while weekly awards are nice, it’s all about the body of work over the season.
After the USC game, Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke about Warren, saying, “The guy is the best tight end in college football and could be one of the best players in college football.” When the rhetoric changes to the best player in college football, the attention quickly pivots to Heisman consideration. In that USC game, he recorded 17 receptions (Penn State record), for 224 yards (second in Penn State history) and a touchdown (on a play where he snapped the ball). He also threw a completion and ran once for four yards. For the season, he has 40 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns. Further, he has a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. His ability to deliver in Kotelnicki’s offense is admirable. Consequently, if his production continues at this level, consideration will not stop with the Mackey Award. It will logically progress to Heisman consideration. He would be the first tight end to win the award since Leon Hart in 1949, and only the third tight end to ever win it.
