2 Key Superstars to Penn State Football Playoff Run in 2024

With the 12-team College Football Playoff on the horizon, Penn State Football is primed for a promising season.

James Franklin, Penn State Football — Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

Head coach James Franklin‘s program stands among the many competitive teams vying for a spot in the expanded playoff.

The key lies in the emergence of specific players, the hidden Nittany Lions superstars — at least to some, nationally, who can lead the team to the playoff.

Penn State Football’s Key Emerging Superstars

WR Julian Fleming

Last year, Julian Fleming caught 26 passes for 270 yards at Ohio State. Fleming has transferred
to Penn State and will start next to Harrison Wallace III. The former Buckeye is expected to be the Nittany Lions‘ go-to receiver.

Fleming uses his size extremely well to wall off defenders and has no issue snatching passes out of the air. His basketball background shows up in contested catch situations. He rarely allows passes to work into his body and consistently showcases his natural hand-catcher ability.

If Fleming can stay healthy, he could be a massive asset for Penn State. With a 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame, Fleming has demonstrated good pass-catching abilities. Penn State Football is expected to be more explosive this season on offense, which could mean enormous numbers for Fleming.

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DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

Penn State Football DE Dani-Dennis Sutton could be in for a breakout season in 2024. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Last season Dani Dennis-Sutton compiled 9.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks, primarily as a reserve.

This year, a starter with Abdul Carter on the other side, big things could happen in Dennis Sutton’s future. With him playing more snaps, we should see an increase in production.

Dennis-Sutton should be able to compile double-digit sacks this upcoming season and be a factor on the Nittany Lions’ defense. The edge rusher is also pretty good at defending the run, and we could see more of that on display this season. But what he does best is get to the quarterback.

If Fleming and Dennis-Sutton play well along with the other key players for the Nittany Lions, a trip to the College Football Playoff could be in the Nittany Lions’ future.