Penn State football linebacker Kobe King has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced Tuesday. King became the sixth Nittany Lion on defense to announce his intentions to go pro.

“To the best fans in the nation, thank you for showing my teammates and me unwavering support. Nothing compares to the energy and passion you bring to every game,” King wrote on social media.

King committed to the Nittany Lions in 2020 as the No. 57-ranked linebacker in the nation, according to 247Sports. The linebacker appeared in four games during his true freshman season, recording three tackles and a quarterback hurry.

The Detroit, Michigan, native appeared in all 13 games during the 2022 season and made his first start in 2023. King went on to start 11 games during his redshirt sophomore season, notching 59 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

King became a leader on the defense during the 2024 season and started all 16 games at middle linebacker. He finished 2024 with 97 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and forced a fumble.

The linebacker follows his brother, cornerback Kalen King, to the NFL. Kalen King was drafted No. 255 by the Green Bay Packers in last year’s draft before he was released and signed to the practice squad.

King joined safeties KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed, cornerback Jalen Kimber, defensive end Abdul Carter, and defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas as Nittany Lions who have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

About the Author

CJ Doebler

CJ is a senior finance major and is Onward State's sports editor. He is from Northumberland, Pa, just east of State College. CJ is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan but chooses to ignore the Pirates' existence. For the occasional random retweet and/or bad take, follow @CDoebler on Twitter. All complaints can be sent to cj@onwardstate.com.

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