Penn State tight end Luke Reynolds could be in for a breakout season in 2025

USA Today

a day ago

Many talented tight ends have passed through Penn State in recent seasons, with the last five starters at the position being drafted to the NFL. Continuing that line of star power is Luke Reynolds, who was the third-highest ranked tight end to ever commit to Penn State, per the 247Sports composite. Reynolds made a few splash plays last fall as a true freshman and seems poised to leap into a significant role in 2025.
Here's a look at Reynolds as the season rapidly approaches.
2024 in review
Reynolds' path to playing time was blocked by John Mackey Award winner and first-round talent Tyler Warren and veteran Khalil Dinkins. Despite his role as TE3, Reynolds showed his elite skillset with a clutch fourth-down conversion against Minnesota and a highlight reel touchdown against Purdue, showing fans why he was ranked a 5-star by 247Sports. He finished the year with nine receptions for 111 yards and one carry for 32 yards.
Biggest question in 2025
With Warren, Penn State's leading pass-catcher off the the NFL, the Nittany Lions have big shoes to fill at the position. While it's highly unlikely Reynolds can match Warren's historic numbers from 2024, the question becomes how closely he can recreate the lost production in 2025. With three transfer wide receivers likely to lock down starting roles, quarterback Drew Allar may look to his tight ends for a dependable target. Can Reynolds prove to be a reliable pass-catcher to fill the void left by Warren, or will Allar have to rely more heavily on the wide receiver corps?
2025 will be a success if…
Reynolds, a converted high school quarterback, is still relatively new to the position - but his upside is evident. If Reynolds can continue to grow into the role and develop as a blocker, he'll likely lock down the starting role over Dinkins, who specializes in pass-blocking. If Reynolds can take the reigns and continue to develop in the blocking game, his ceiling is extremely high and he could find himself in All-Big Ten territory.
2025 will be a disappointment if…
If Reynolds' is unable to take a step forward and shows inconsistencies, he'll likely play second fiddle to Dinkins in 2025. With limited playing time, he'll burn another year of eligibility without a significant impact and the Nittany Lions' tight end production will falter in 2025.
Realistic outlook for 2025
Reynolds will battle for the starting job, and if he wins out, will be in for a breakout season. He won't come close to Tyler Warren's 1,233 yards from a season ago, but could realistically accumulate half of that, still a very strong season for a tight end. His inexperience at the position may lead to some inconsistencies, like dropped passes or missed blocks, but his play-making ability will also provide some fireworks throughout the year.