When players like Tyler Warren leave, most programs scramble to replace them. The Penn State Nittany Lions are not one of those programs. Head coach James Franklin is confident, and even excited about what’s next. He’s got three standout tight ends waiting in the wings: Khalil Dinkins, Luke Reynolds, and Andrew Rappleyea. By all signs, Franklin already knows who’ll lead that group as the starter this season.
Has James Franklin Already Decided Penn State’s Starting Tight End?
Warren wasn’t just good, he was a game-changer in 2024. After torching Ole Miss for 127 yards in the Peach Bowl in the 2023-24 season, he went off last year to show it wasn’t a one-off performance.
Warren hauled in 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, ran in four more, and even threw for one. That kind of all-around impact made him a first-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts.
So what now for Penn State? Warren’s shoes aren’t easy to fill, but the tight end room is stacked. Dinkins, Reynolds, and Rappleyea are all in the mix. However, according to “Locked On Nittany Lions'” Zack Seyko, Dinkins might already be the selected starter in 2025.
“I think it’s intriguing that when James is asked about Reynolds, and the first thing he responds with is, ‘Oh, Dinkins is somebody that’s not being talked about enough and somebody that’s going to have a long career in the NFL. Now, let’s talk about Luke Reynolds,” Seyko said.
“That right there is a massive hint that Dinkins is presumably here. This is my opinion, but I’m not afraid to go on record and say that I fully expect Khalil Dinkins to be the tight end number one, and that he pretty much has the job locked up at this point.”
Dinkins leads Penn State’s tight end group with experience and quiet confidence. The redshirt senior has improved as a blocker and made the most of his chances as a receiver, scoring five touchdowns on just 23 career catches. Last season, he grabbed 14 passes for 122 yards and two scores.
Behind him, five-star sophomore Reynolds is turning heads with raw talent and breakout potential. Meanwhile, Rappleyea is back from injury and ready to contribute. His return adds depth, which is crucial in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s scheme.
Why Is Franklin Betting on Multiple Contributors?
Franklin isn’t looking for one player to replace Warren. He’s putting faith in all three tight ends. They bring a mix of size, skill, and hunger for bigger roles.
With Drew Allar under center, a quarterback known for throwing with precision and building strong bonds with his tight ends, this group could light up the scoreboard early.
The tight end room keeps producing at Penn State. Franklin’s track record speaks for itself, with stars like Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson, and Warren all developing into NFL prospects. The next wave might be just as good, with Dinkins seemingly positioned to lead the charge while Reynolds and Rappleyea provide the depth needed for another successful campaign.
