Penn State center Nick Dawkins and defensive end Smith Vilbert both announced via “X” that they will return to the Penn State football program for the 2025 season. Dawkins announced that he will utilize the extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing him to suit up for a sixth year with the Nittany Lions.
Defensive end Smith Vilbert, meanwhile, will take advantage of a medical redshirt to extend his collegiate career to a seventh season. Their decisions add to a growing list of veteran leaders who have recently announced their intentions to return to Happy Valley. Other veterans to announce their returns are defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and safety Zakee Wheatley.
1 more… For the Glory of Old State 🦁 pic.twitter.com/UuOhq3I8uB
— Nick Dawkins (@TheNickDawkins) January 14, 2025
One more Ride!!#haitansensation. pic.twitter.com/srctgBpoHT
— Smithvilbert (@Smithvilbert2) January 14, 2025
Nick Dawkins, son of former NBA player Darryl Dawkins, has been a cornerstone of Penn State’s offensive line. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Dawkins has demonstrated exceptional strength and leadership at the center position. Proof of Dawkins leadership can be gained from two honors that he earned as the starting center for the Nittany Lions in 2024; being voted team captain by his teammates, and receiving the Wuerffel Trophy, “presented to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field.” Additionally, Dawkins was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing his community service and leadership. His decision to return provides continuity and experience to an offensive unit poised for a strong 2026 campaign. His return keeps the majority of the starting group from 2024 intact, with only guard Sal Wormley exhausting his eligibility in 2024.
Defensive end Smith Vilbert’s journey has been marked by resilience. After missing the entire 2022 regular season and the 2023 season due to injuries, he made a triumphant return in 2024, logging 419 total snaps across the defensive line and on special teams, and recording a sack and forced fumble against West Virginia. Vilbert’s return bolsters the defensive line depth, with the departures of Coziah Izzard, Dvon J-Thomas, and Amin Vanover highlighting the key losses along the defensive front from both a snap perspective and leadership perspective.
Check out FanSided’s interview with Nick Dawkins about receiving the Wuerffel Trophy:
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