Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was among the brightest breakout stars in the NFL in 2025. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Over the course of Penn State Football history, the Nittany Lions have sent the seventh most draft picks to the NFL all-time among college teams with 389 all-time selections.
Over the past few years, Penn State has only continued this trend, with top end stars making the jump to the NFL almost yearly.
The NFL’s Penn State Football Takeover: 2025 Breakout Stars
This year, two of Penn State’s former standouts landed on Between the Hashmarks NFL Insider Matt Lombardo’s All-Breakout Team for 2025.
Here are the two former Nittany Lions being recognized for their play this season.
Parker Washington (WR, Jaguars): From 6th Round to Top Target
After being selected in 2023, Washington became a rotation player for the Jaguars in 2023 and 2024 before breaking out for the Jaguars this season. In 2025, Washington caught 58 passes for 847 yards and five touchdowns, while adding versatility at punt and kick returner.
In addition to his play on the offense, Washington returned 25 punts for 341 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
In adding him to his NFL breakout team, Lombardo calls Washington perhaps Jacksonville’s “most gifted player” at wide receiver. Lombardo continued that Washington, “may have made the most monumental leap of any receiver across the league, from depth piece to top of the depth chart target.”
Buy The Newest Penn State Gear From Fanatics | Shop Penn State Merchandise on Amazon
Tyler Warren (TE, Colts): The Rookie Unicorn
Unlike Washington who broke out after a few years of NFL experience, former Penn State receiver Tyler Warren took the league by storm after being a top 15 selection in the 2025 NFL draft last year.
Warren ranked fifth in receiving yards among all tight ends during his rookie season, catching 76 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns. In adding Warren to his breakout team, Lombardo highlighted Warren’s versatility.
“|A versatile threat,” Lombardo writes of Warren. “Capable of making plays lined up as an in-line tight end, from the slot, or even deployed out of the backfield. Warren is the type of player that opposing defensive coordinators and linebackers must account for on every snap.”
Penn State Football 2026 Way-Too-Early Depth Chart: Rocco Becht Leads an Iowa State-Heavy Offense
Loved this story? Get all our Penn State football coverage and insider updates first. Join our FREE newsletter — your front-row seat to the Lions.
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
- ‘The Most Monumental Leap’: Two Former Penn State Football Stars Headline the NFL’s 2025 All-Breakout Team - January 17, 2026
- Penn State Football 2026 Way-Too-Early Depth Chart: Rocco Becht Leads an Iowa State-Heavy Offense - January 17, 2026
- Could Matt Campbell Make Radical Changes to Penn State Football’s Uniforms? (Photo) - January 15, 2026
About the Author
