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Penn State DT Zane Durant opts out for Pinstripe Bowl

nate-mug-10.12.14by: Nate Bauer24 hours agoNateBauerBWI

Penn State has its first decision of the postseason. Announcing via statement on Instagram on Monday afternoon, senior defensive tackle Zane Durant said that he will be opting out to pursue the start of his training for the NFL Draft.

The decision brings to an end his playing career with the Nittany Lions.

His full statement, here:

“I want to thank Penn State University for the memories and experiences that it has given me. I would like to thank Coach Deion, Coach Manny, Coach Dex, Coach Scott, Coach Allen and Coach Terry.

“For the past four years, I want to thank everyone that I got the chance to work with while attending Penn State.

“I also want to thank the Lord because without him this wouldn’t be possible.

“Thank you momma and pops for everything y’all instiled in me.

“I want to thank Coach Franklin for giving me the opportunity to attend Penn State, and for being a mentor and example to me.

“With that being said, I will be opting out of playing in the bowl and will be declaring for the 2026 NFL draft.”

A four-star member of the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2022 as rated by the Rivals Industry Ranking, Durant made 89 tackles, with 10 total sacks, and an interception. This season, he was responsible for four sacks to go along with 14 tackles.

What will Matt Campbell’s role be?

Monday at his introductory press conference, new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell acknowledged the balance he intends to strike as the Nittany Lions prepare for the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium on Dec. 27.

“That’s a great question. I probably need to think about that next. It’s been a whirlwind in every way, shape, and form. We got practice today. The first thing I can do is not be a hindrance to this great team,” he said. “To watch these guys climb back, it’s been super impressive. My respect for Terry and the seniors on this football team, man, going to win four in a row, that’s huge.

“And so I think we’ll figure out, Terry and I, where is the best place that I can not be a hindrance to this team. It allows me to be able to start to build for the ’26 team, and yet still be around, and, again, that relationship’s piece, really start to develop that relationship with our players. So I’m going to have to honestly walk a really fine line, because that’s going to be a unique challenge. I do look forward to it.”

Talk about it with our premium members in the Lions Den message board, here.