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Former Penn State standouts lead the way as favorites for NFL individual awards

Fitz headshot croppedby: Sean Fitz05/31/25SeanFitzOn3
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Over 50 former Penn State players are on NFL rosters heading into the summer, and several Nittany Lions alums have high expectations for the 2025 season. Because of that, a handful have landed at the top or high on the list of the season awards futures market on FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Right now, there are former Penn State players leading the way at three of the major individual awards. After winning the award in 2024, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is the favorite to repeat as the league’s AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He was the overwhelming winner last year after running for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Odds (via FanDuel)

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (+550)
Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase (+900)
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (+1200)
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry (+1400)
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (+1400)
Houston Texans WR Nico Collins (+1400)

After missing four games and finishing outside the top five of the voting last year, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons is on top of the list ahead of 2025. It’s worth noting that Parsons is playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and a huge payday is forecasted upon the signing of his next contract. Parsons finished tied for fifth in the league with 12 sacks in 13 games last season.

AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds (via FanDuel)

Dallas Cowboys DE Micah Parsons (+650)
Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (+700)
Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (+900)
Pittsburgh Steelers OLB TJ Watt (+900)
Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (+1200)
Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. (+1300)

Last year’s winner, Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, checks in at +3300, tied for the 10th-best odds. 

Former Penn State Edge Abdul Carter was the No. 3 overall pick by the New York Giants back in April at the NFL Draft. While he was technically the second defensive player announced (the Jacksonville Jaguars took two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter as a wide receiver/defensive back), Carter has the odds in his favor to be the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He recently signed a four-year, $42.25 million rookie deal with the Giants.

AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds (via FanDuel)

New York Giants LB Abdul Carter (+250)
Atlanta Falcons LB Jalon Walker (+700)
San Francisco 49ers DE Mykel Williams (+1000)
Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter (+1000)
Cincinnati Bengals DE Shemar Stewart (+1200)
Cleveland Browns DT Mason Graham (+1200)

Former Penn State safety KJ Winston, now with the Tennessee Titans, is on the list at +15000. 

On the offensive side of the ball, former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren has the 11th-best odds to win rookie of the year on that side of the ball. He comes in with +2500 odds via FanDuel, as former Boise State and current Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is the overwhelming favorite with +250 odds. 

One more notable set of odds, from the Penn State angle at least, is with Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin. Godwin has the 10th-best odds for the AP’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award at +2600. Godwin dislocated his ankle in the midst of a career year in 2024, and the Buccaneers still thought enough of him to offer a three-year, $66 million deal this offseason. 

Right now, you can bet just $5 and get $200 in bonus bets, guaranteed! Click this link HERE to get in on the action all season long.

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