Penn State linebacker Kobe King, who finished second in tackles for the Nittany Lions defense, will forgo his final season of eligibility for the NFL Draft.

His time on the field was limited in 2024, but Penn State true freshman linebacker Anthony Speca had the look of an impact player in the near future. James Franklin and his defensive assistants may want to fast-track the 6-1, 230-pound Speca, who was a prep star at Pittsburg Central Catholic.

Penn State football will have a new starting linebacker next season as Kobe King declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. King, a 6-foot-1, 248-pound redshirt junior, was second on the team with 97 total tackles and led the team with 8.

Penn State will have a complete reset in the wide receiver room, and will also need to replace its top linebacker.

Coming off a strong season in the middle of the Penn State defense, linebacker Kobe King has decided he is ready to make the jump to the NFL. King announced on social media on Tuesday evening he has declared for the 2025 NFL draft and will leave Penn State with eligibility remaining.