The Penn State Nittany Lions look to remain one of the top defenses in the nation, even without their superstar and All-American. Abdul Carter’s departure to the New York Giants will leave a major hole at one of the most important positions. The good news for the Nittany Lions is that Dani Dennis-Sutton returned for his final college season, but Carter’s replacement must step up.
Penn State Nittany Lions’ young EDGE rusher was poised for 2025
Max Granville originally committed as a four-star recruit for the 2025 recruiting class but ultimately reclassified to 2024. He didn’t receive much playing time during his true freshman season, as he redshirted and recorded one tackle, two pressures, and one pass deflection in seven games and 52 defensive snaps. Granville was poised to play an important role during his redshirt freshman season as a key contributor, EDGE 3, and the next man up in the rotation.
Unfortunately, his next season will be put on hold.
Penn State Nittany Lions’ emerging pass rusher suffered major injury
During Thursday’s press conference, James Franklin provided an injury update on Max Granville via Nate Bauer of Blue White Illustrated. Franklin told the media that Granville suffered a significant, undisclosed injury after spring practice while working out at his home in Texas. As a result, the emerging pass rusher’s injury is considered “long-term,” putting his redshirt freshman season in jeopardy.
Penn State will be without redshirt freshman defensive end Max Granville for the foreseeable future, as the promising pass rusher suffered an offseason long-term injury.
Link: https://t.co/Z1ycBSwMJX pic.twitter.com/BDOfhmfnof
— Blue White Illustrated (@PennStateOn3) June 5, 2025
Who must step up?
The defense must count on six-year super senior Zuriah Fisher. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout his college career, including missing the entire 2024 season with an undisclosed injury, but showed flashes in 2023, recording 16 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Now healthy, Fisher will likely start alongside Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The Nittany Lions must count on inexperienced pass rushers to fill in as backups and rotational pieces. These players include redshirt freshmen Jaylen Harvey and Mylachi Williams and former Texas A&M Aggie four-star recruit Enai White.
