Penn State football tight end Khalil Dinkins has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced on Instagram Wednesday night. The redshirt senior appeared in 48 games and made several starts on offense and special teams during his career.

The Wexford, Pennsylvania, native was a four-star recruit in the class of 2021 and was the No. 12 player in Pennsylvania according to 247 Sports.

Dinkins redshirted his freshman season in 2021 and has been an impact player for the Nittany Lions in the four years following, appearing in at least 10 games every season. He was a rotational tight end and primarily played special teams in his first couple of seasons, playing behind NFL guys such as Theo Johnson and Brenton Strange.

Still, Dinkins emerged as a part-time starter alongside Tyler Warren in his junior season, starting six of 15 games in 2024. Dinkins saw an increased role in his senior year, playing all 12 regular-season games for the Nittany Lions and posting a career-high for yards in a season. Dinkins finished his career at Penn State with 37 receptions for 399 yards and seven touchdowns.

He will look to take after his dad, Darnell Dinkins, who played nine seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.

Dinkins is the 10th Nittany Lion to declare for the NFL draft.

About the Author

Brian Kriley

Brian is a sophomore from State College, PA, majoring in journalism and minoring in sports studies. He serves as an associate editor and is on the wrestling and hockey beats. You can offer him a job or send hate mail at bkriley123@gmail.com

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