Penn State linebacker Dom DeLuca is poised to make an impact yet again as he returns for the 2025 season. The former walk-on (referred to as “run-on” in Happy Valley) from Wyoming Area High School in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has been nothing short of remarkable in his journey from unheralded recruit to team captain and defensive stalwart for the Nittany Lions.
A Journey of Grit and Determination
DeLuca’s football story began with an unforgettable high school performance—leading his team to a PIAA state title in 2019 while playing with a torn ACL. This grit defined his path at Penn State. After joining the Nittany Lions as a walk-on in 2021, DeLuca redshirted his freshman year, appearing in three games while adjusting to the demands of college football.
The linebacker’s persistence paid off in 2022 when he emerged as a key contributor on defense, tallying 29 tackles, a sack, and a blocked punt. His standout effort earned him a scholarship in January 2023, a milestone celebrated by teammates and coaches alike. By the end of the 2023 season, DeLuca was a leader both on and off the field, recording 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and even a defensive touchdown.
In Penn State’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in January 2024, DeLuca cemented his legacy with two interceptions against SMU, one of which he took to the house. Voted a captain by his peers, he embodies the resilience and leadership that has long defined the Nittany Lions.
The Changing Role of the Walk-On
Dom DeLuca’s journey is even more inspiring given the shifting dynamics of college football today. The emergence of revenue sharing, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and stricter roster limits are reshaping opportunities for walk-ons. As programs allocate resources and roster spots strategically, walk-ons will certainly face tougher paths to earning scholarships or meaningful playing time.
At the same time, revenue sharing and NIL deals provide financial opportunities that can alleviate some of the traditional struggles walk-ons face, such as paying their way through school. However, the emphasis on scholarship players in a highly competitive landscape has led some to question whether the era of the walk-on as we know it is fading. DeLuca’s success stands as a beacon of hope for those who still dare to take the unconventional path.
On the shifting college football landscape and the impact it will have on future walk-on stories, Penn State head coach James Franklin said “There are a ton of changes in college football, but this one that I’m struggling with because there have been so many special stories over the years of walk-ons, whether they’ve earned a scholarship or not, they’ve been such a significant part of the game and our history.”
DeLuca’s rise from walk-on to captain aligns him with a storied tradition of Nittany Lions who started their careers as walk-ons. Here are five of the most remarkable Penn State walk-on stories:
5 of the best walk-ons in Penn State Football history
McGloin joined Penn State as a walk-on in 2009 and quickly defied expectations. Awarded a scholarship in 2010, McGloin became the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback, setting a school record with 3,271 passing yards in 2012. He also led the Big Ten in touchdowns that year. To top off his career at Penn State, McGloin took home the Burlsworth Award, given to the top college football player who began their career as a walk-on.
Post-Penn State, McGloin signed with the Oakland Raiders and played multiple seasons in the NFL as a backup quarterback. His journey remains a blueprint for perseverance and success.
Nassib’s transformation from walk-on to national sensation is legendary. He earned a scholarship in 2013 and led the nation in sacks in 2015 with 15.5. That year, he won the Lombardi Award, Hendricks Award, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Nassib has enjoyed a solid NFL career, including a groundbreaking moment as the league’s first openly gay active player.
Norwood walked on to Penn State in 2005 and earned a scholarship by 2006. A reliable receiver, he amassed over 2,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns during his college career, becoming a trusted target for quarterbacks.
Norwood went on to play in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2016 and setting a then Super Bowl record for the longest punt return – a 61-yard house call. That record has since been eclipsed by Kadarius Toney (65 yards in 2022).
Chisena’s path was unconventional. A standout on Penn State’s track team, he transitioned to football as a walk-on. Awarded a scholarship by head coach James Franklin in 2019 after catching a 59-yard touchdown in the Blue-White game, he became a key contributor on special teams and a wide receiver.
Chisena signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent and has carved out a role as a special teams ace in the NFL. Chisena is currently listed on the active roster of the Carolina Panthers, entering his 6th year in the NFL in 2025.
One of the most famous walk-ons in Penn State history, Gould joined the team in 2001 and earned a scholarship in 2003. As the Nittany Lions’ starting kicker, Gould displayed consistent excellence.
His NFL career was even more impressive. Gould is one of the most accurate kickers in league history (currently 9th) and has earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2006 while a member of the Chicago Bears.
The Legacy of Walk-Ons at Penn State
Dom DeLuca’s story is still unfolding, but it serves as a reminder of the rich legacy of walk-ons at Penn State. From Matt McGloin’s rise to quarterback stardom to Carl Nassib’s national acclaim and beyond, these players have left indelible marks on the program’s history. As DeLuca prepares for the 2025 season, he carries the torch for every walk-on who dared to dream big and achieved greatness. At a time when the walk-on role faces unprecedented challenges, stories like DeLuca’s prove that the spirit of perseverance remains alive and well in college football.