Penn State updates availability status for key starters vs. Clemson

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Penn State has been busy prepping to face Clemson in the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl, knowing it will be without a number of players due to opt-outs or players entering the transfer portal. But the status of two key players had yet to be confirmed one way or the other. However, on Friday, interim head coach Terry Smith gave some confirmation on the status of those key players, running back Kaytron Allen and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton.

“Dani and Kaytron will be dressing for the game, so they’re available,” Smith said on Friday during a Pinstripe Bowl media availability.

Of course, having players dressed and available doesn’t necessarily confirm they will be playing in the Pinstripe Bowl. But it is a positive sign that Penn State could have two of its best players on the field against Clemson on Saturday afternoon. The weather conditions could impact that a bit as snow will be moving through New York City throughout Saturday morning. The winter weather should be out of the way by kickoff, however.

Allen is Penn State’s leading rusher and became the program’s all-time leading rusher this season. Penn State will be without Allen’s primary running game partner, Nicholas Singleton. Singleton is among the players who opted out of the bowl game.

Dennis-Sutton is one of Penn State’s top defensive draft prospects. The defensive line will already be without Zane Durant (opting out), Zuriah Fisher (opting out) and Chaz Coleman (entering transfer portal). But Smith did confirm the defensive line will be coached by Deion Barnes, who will be moving to join the staff at South Carolina after the bowl game.

“Deion is coaching, yes, and he’ll be a part of this team [Saturday],” Smith said in his Friday press conference. “We’re just focused on this game, and he’s going to help us win this game.”

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

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Status of Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton for Pinstripe Bowl

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