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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football

Penn State Football: 3 X-Factors Who Could Fuel a White Out Win vs. Oregon

Robert ShieldsPenn State Football

Penn State hosts Oregon for the Nittany Lions’ first AP top 10 matchup in a regular-season Whiteout since 2018 and for only the second time ever.

There are a few players who could be “X-factors” for Penn State on Saturday.

Here are a few players who could be X-factors to propel the Nittany Lions to a signature win for Penn State head coach James Franklin and company.

Penn State X-Factors Who Could Swing Top-10 Clash vs. Oregon

Penn State Football
Tight end Luke Reynolds has been a rising star for Penn State through the season’s first three games. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)

Offense: Luke Reynolds

Penn State lost a major part of the offense this offseason when Tyler Warren declared for the NFL and was selected in the first round in April. Despite the loss of Warren, Penn State’s tight end is still loaded with talent in 2025.

After splitting reps with Khalil Dinkins and Andrew Rappleyea through the first three weeks, sophomore Luke Reynolds has broken through in the passing game for the Nittany Lions.

Through three contests, Reynolds has caught 13 passes for 142 yards. Come Saturday night, Reynolds has the opportunity to take even more of a major role in Penn State’s offense as Drew Allar’s safety valve, similar to Warren last season. If Reynolds is able to be a consistent safety valve and reliable pass catcher to move the chains for the Nittany Lions, he could be the piece Penn State is missing to make the offense more consistent.

Defense: Chaz Coleman

Defensive end Chaz Coleman has been a major surprise since he showed up on campus this summer.

Despite not enrolling early, Coleman quickly broke through on the defensive end depth chart during fall camp and earned a major spot in the Penn State rotation at defensive end. Coleman has recorded five tackles, three tackles for a loss, one sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this season.

With Zuriah Fisher’s return from an injury that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season, Chaz Coleman will come off the bench for the Nittany Lions Saturday against the Ducks.

While Coleman is still learning at the collegiate level, especially against the run, Coleman’s talent could make him a major X-factor for the Nittany Lions Saturday.

Coleman has an incredible spin move and pass rush moves that can allow him to get into the backfield against the Ducks and potentially impact Moore’s ability to pick Penn State’s defense apart in a clean pocket.

Opposite Dani Dennis-Sutton and on the same line as defensive tackle Zane Durant, Coleman will not receive as much attention from the Oregon offensive line and could allow him to impact the game in a positive way Saturday.

BUY PENN STATE VS. OREGON TICKETS 

Special Teams: Dom Deluca

Penn State Football, Dominic DeLuca
Dom Deluca is a strong leadership presence and key playmaker for Penn State. (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Penn State linebacker and special teams captain Dom Deluca has been an impact player on both defense and special teams for the Nittany Lions this season.

Over three games in 2025, Deluca has recorded nine tackles, one sack, and a blocked punt. On Saturday, Deluca can be an X-factor on special teams for Penn State. Deluca has already blocked a punt this season on special teams and could be a weapon when Oregon punts Saturday.

Penn State will lean heavily on its returning stars from the 2024 season against the Oregon Ducks Saturday, but if even a few younger players could step up for the Nittany Lions, it could go a long way toward Penn State earning a signature win that has eluded the program in recent years. These three players could become household names Saturday if they are able to impact the game and find a way to put the Nittany Lions on top.

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Robert Shields
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  • Robert Shields

    Robert Shields covers Penn State Football for Nittany Central. As a Penn State graduate, Robert has covered Penn State football since 2019, but had been a fan of the Nittany Lions for well over a decade. During his undergraduate education, Robert was a manager in the athletic department of a division III school, working in various aspects of athletic management at football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse games.

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