Penn State will have its offensive line leader back in 2025. Why Nick Dawkins will return for a rare sixth season

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will have his center back next season. Nick Dawkins, a fellow captain who started all 16 games at center for the Nittany Lions, announced Tuesday that he will return for a sixth year in 2025.

Center Nick Dawkins announced he will come back to Penn State for another season, his sixth year of eligibility with the Nittany Lions. Dawkins will be taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility provided by the NCAA as a result of the 2020 season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dawkins was a team captain in 2024 and the Wuerffel Trophy winner, which recognizes community service in college football.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - In an expected move, Parkland product Nick Dawkins has announced that he will return to Penn State for the 2025 season. That gives the Nittany Lions four returning offensive linemen next season, along with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

The Penn State Nittany Lions bring back four captains from their 2025 roster, including former walk-on Dom DeLuca.

Following the announcement of several key returns for 2025, a trio of Penn State Linemen have also announced their intention to return for another season. Starting center Nick Dawkins and guard JB Nelson will both be back in the fall.