Penn State football safety KJ Winston is out for the remainder of Penn State football’s season, James Franklin said Sunday. Winston, who was hurt in week two of the season against Bowling Green and was designated as a long-term injury, will miss the College Football Playoff.

Through his two games in the 2024 season, Winston had 13 tackles and a forced fumble. The junior has notched 90 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, six passes defended, and an interception through 28 appearances and 15 starts.

Winston will be eligible to enter the NFL Draft this year and was pinned as a top draft prospect at the beginning of the year. However, after his injury, his draft status is unclear.

Penn State is next set to face SMU in the first round of the playoffs at noon on Saturday, December 21, in Beaver Stadium. The game will air on TNT and stream on Max.

About the Author

Joe Lister

Joe, shockingly, was Onward State's managing editor from 2024-25. It was an honor. He's off employed doing journalism things, hopefully. If you want to complain about anything he's ever written, you can find him on Twitter (iamjoelister), email (jlister2021@gmail.com), or Signal (iamjoelister.93).

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”