Elite 2025 NFL Draft safety prospect announces future plans after injury-shortened season
The Big Ten will see one of its most talented players make the jump to the NFL as the season concludes. Penn State junior safety KJ Winston Jr. has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The native of Columbia, Md., and alumnus of DeMatha Catholic High School shared this announcement on Thursday. He had […]
The Big Ten will see one of its most talented players make the jump to the NFL as the season concludes. Penn State junior safety KJ Winston Jr. has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The native of Columbia, Md., and alumnus of DeMatha Catholic High School shared this announcement on Thursday. He had an injury-plagued 2024 season, missing much of it due to a problem he suffered during practice leading up to the Bowling Green game. ESPN reported it was a partially torn ACL.
Before the injury, he recorded 12 tackles against West Virginia and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors. He played only in the first quarter and part of the second quarter against Bowling Green before leaving the game, marking the end of his career with the Nittany Lions.
According to Pro Football Focus, Winston Jr. participated in just 74 snaps during the 2024 season, accumulating 13 tackles and a forced fumble. Over his time at Penn State, he totaled 89 tackles, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception.
It remains uncertain whether he will be fit to participate in the Combine. For much of the season, Winston Jr. was absent from the team due to his injury but was spotted at Beaver Stadium in a bulky brace on his right leg before the Ohio State matchup.
On Sunday, head coach James Franklin stated that Winston Jr. would not rejoin the team for the Playoff run. Now, he is set to pursue a professional football career.
“He’s a huge part of our program. Will continue to be a huge part of our program. But obviously, based on some of the things that he was working through from a health perspective, his focus was on that, which, rightfully so.”
Here's what Winston had posted in his announcement:
First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to chase my dreams. To my family, friends, coaches, and teammates-you’ve been my unwavering support system, guiding me through every high and low of this journey. Your belief in me has meant everything, and I’m forever grateful.
To Penn State Nation, thank you for making my time here special. Wearing the blue and white has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’ll always carry the pride of being a Nittany Lion.
After much thought and prayer, I’m excited to announce that lIl be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
This has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m ready to embrace this next challenge with the same dedication and heart that got me to this point. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey. This is just the beginning.
Before his injury, Winston Jr. was considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, it's uncertain how his injury will affect his draft stock, though he still ranks as the No. 3 safety on our draft board.
With Winston Jr. and fellow multi-year starter Jaylen Reed departing, the Penn State safety lineup will require significant adjustments. Backup Tyrece Mills is also expected to leave. Zakee Wheatley has not yet announced his return plans, but he is eligible to return.
Dejuan Lane and sophomore Vaboue Toure are anticipated to take on a larger role in his second season. The Lions might also seek help from the transfer portal to strengthen this position.
