Another Penn State football senior announced his declaration to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, linebacker and three-year captain Dominic DeLuca made his announcement on social media.
Penn State RB hopes to put his senior season behind, looks ahead to 2026 NFL Draft
His statement read:
"First and foremost, I want to thank my family for always believing in me and supporting me through every step of this journey. I also want to thank coach Franklin, coach Diaz, coach Allen, coach Connor, and coach Dex for pushing me, trusting me, and helping me grow as both as a player and a man.
"Ever since I was a kid, it has always been a dream of mine to play football for Penn State. Having the opportunity to wear the blue and white and run out into Beaver Stadium is something I will cherish forever.
"With that said, I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the NFL Draft.
"Thank you to my teammates, the staff, and the incredible Penn State fans for all the love and support. Penn State will always be home.
"WeAre."
Dom DeLuca declares for the NFL Draft.
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) December 30, 2025
Finishes his Penn State career with 164 tackles and 17.5 TFLs.#WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/e3gvLsDvzq
Dominic DeLuca declares for the 2026 NFL Draft
DeLuca joined the Nittany Lions as a walk-on in 2021 and became an integral part of the team and blue and white faithful. The West Pittson, Penn. native was the only captain in 2025 serving his third season as a leader.
Throughout his collegiate career, DeLuca totaled 164 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, eight passes defensed, five interceptions for 127 yards, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions taken back for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. In 2024, his three interceptions were the sixth most of any player in the Big Ten. In 2023, his two forced fumbles were good for fifth-most in the conference as well.
In 2025, he played in all 13 games and registered 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass break-ups, and two sacks.
DeLuca joins the group of Penn Sttae players who declared for the draft, including offensive linemen Nick Dawkins, Vega Ioane, and Drew Shelton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, safety Zakee Wheatley, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and linebacker Dani-Dennis Sutton .