Penn State loses another defensive starter for Pinstripe Bowl

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Penn State was already preparing to head into the Pinstripe Bowl with a next-man-up approach following a handful of notable decisions to opt out of the bowl game. The list of opt-outs grew again in the days leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl with Clemson when starting defensive end Zuriah Fisher did not join the team on the trip to New York. Instead, Fisher will now set his eyes on his preparations for the NFL draft in 2026.

The loss of Fisher is a big one for the Penn State defense, which will be coached by Anthony Poindexter as a temporary defensive playcaller amid the coaching staff changes that saw defensive coordinator Jim Knowles head to Tennessee. Fisher started 11 games for the Nittany Lions after getting back to full strength. Fisher missed the 2024 season due to injury. The sixth-year player has certainly paid his dues with the program and sees no reason to risk any injury in a bowl game when he could be ready to jump into the NFL.

Fisher joins defensive tackle Zane Durant, cornerback A.J. Harris, and safety Zakee Wheatley as defensive starters sitting out of the bowl game this week. Penn State will also be without starting running back Nicholas Singleton and offensive guard Vega Ioane for the bowl game, in addition to a number of players who have opted to enter the transfer portal. Among the transfer departures is rising star Chaz Coleman. Without Fisher, Durant, and Coleman, Penn State’s depth on the defensive line is sure to be challenged by Clemson. It is still unconfirmed what the status for Dani Dennis-Sutton will be for the game as well as he prepares to make his own move to the NFL.

Penn State faces Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 12:00 p.m. ET in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State DL Zuriah Fisher opts out of Pinstripe Bowl

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