The 5 Best Penn State NFL Players of All Time

Saquon Barkley contributed to Penn State as a running back, receiver and kick returner, finishing with more than 3,800 rushing yards, 102 catches and 53 total touchdowns. He earned conference Player of the Year recognition in 2016 and 2017 and placed among the top five in Heisman voting. The Giants selected him second overall in 2018 after his three-season college career.

Barkley's ranking argument rests on the breadth of that production rather than any single highlight. His receiving total shows that his offensive contribution extended well beyond carries, while return duties added another role without changing his identity as a running back. Recognition in consecutive seasons supports sustained excellence, making his Penn State résumé broader than one exceptional year or one category of yardage.

LaVar Arrington won the Butkus and Bednarik awards in 1999, earning unanimous All-American recognition for Penn State. His celebrated “LaVar Leap” against Illinois captured one memorable part of his college career, but his responsibilities extended beyond attacking the backfield. The linebacker rushed the passer, dropped into coverage and pursued plays from the back side. Washington selected him second overall in 2000.

Arrington's place in a Penn State ranking should reflect the complete defensive role behind the signature highlight. His dual awards and unanimous recognition establish a distinguished peak, while the range of assignments explains why describing him only as a pass rusher would be incomplete. The leap makes his career memorable; the broader responsibilities and national honors provide the stronger foundation for his inclusion.

Jack Ham earned All-American recognition in 1970 and recorded four interceptions as a senior linebacker at Penn State. His college career included two unbeaten seasons, connecting his individual development with a sustained period of team success. He arrived on the last available scholarship in his class and eventually earned membership in both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Ham's standing in Penn State's linebacker tradition has a concrete college foundation. The senior interceptions document a contribution in pass defense, while the All-American honor distinguishes his final season individually. The unbeaten seasons give that peak a broader team context without making wins his personal accomplishment alone. His later professional recognition complements the argument, but his Penn State performance supplies its essential substance.

Ki-Jana Carter supplied a major rushing presence for undefeated Penn State in 1994, gaining 1,539 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns at more than 7.8 yards per carry. He finished second to Rashaan Salaam in Heisman voting and opened the Rose Bowl with an 83-yard touchdown run. Cincinnati selected him first overall in 1995 after that standout college season.

Carter's ranking case is anchored in the quality of his peak rather than a lengthy collection of season totals. His rushing average gives the yardage and scoring additional weight, showing exceptional production per opportunity. The Rose Bowl touchdown offers a vivid example of the big-play contribution reflected in that average. For Penn State, his individual success and the undefeated team's achievement form a closely connected argument.

Micah Parsons played two seasons at Penn State before opting out, earning consensus All-American recognition as a sophomore. In 2019, he led the team with 109 tackles, recorded 14 tackles for loss and was named Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP. Primarily a linebacker, he also occasionally rushed from the edge. Dallas selected him 12th overall in 2021, and he earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Parsons presents a peak-over-longevity case within Penn State's group. The tackle production establishes a substantial regular defensive role, while the backfield stops show that his contribution included disruption. His bowl recognition adds a specific postseason distinction to the broader All-American honor. The shorter college career matters when weighing him against longer-serving players, but his sophomore accomplishments provide a strong basis for inclusion.