Top 25 player preview: Dom DeLuca looks to continue ascension in 2025
DeLuca was unranked as a recruit and had no Division I offers. The West Pittston, Pennsylvania product walked on with the Nittany Lions and showed steady growth over the years, earning the jersey No. 0, reserved for top special teams contributors, and developing into a solid rotational linebacker last season.
DeLuca was named a team captain for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons and recorded Penn State's first ever points in the College Football Playoff with a pick-6 off SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings in Beaver Stadium.
2024 in review
Dom DeLuca's ascension continued last season as a redshirt junior when he retained his title of team captain en route to a career high in tackles. DeLuca made strides in pass coverage, a previous weakness, with three picks and a pass breakup. DeLuca earned five starts across 15 appearances, peaking with five tackles against West Virginia, Wisconsin, SMU and Boise State. DeLuca had a strong playoff run, which could serve as a spring board into next season.
Biggest question in 2025
Entering his fifth season in Happy Valley, it originally seemed like DeLuca would earn a starting role. After UNC transfer Amare Campbell arrived in the spring window, DeLuca will likely be LB3 on the depth chart. His experience is valuable, but he'll likely see most of his time in three linebacker sets. The biggest question for DeLuca in 2025 is whether he'll be able to take another step forward and push for more starts in his final season as a Nittany Lion.
2025 will be a success if...
DeLuca's 2025 campaign will be successful if he's able to continue his success from Penn State's playoff push. Through three games against top competition, he recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 for loss and two interceptions. Similar production throughout the fall will lead to career high numbers across the board. If DeLuca can add value in three-linebacker sets and continue to play well against both the run and pass, it'll be a success.
2025 will be a disappointment if...
The season will fall short of expectations if DeLuca is unable to acclimate to Jim Knowles' defensive scheme. Knowles' strategy has been praised for its complexity and the different ways in which linebackers can be used. If DeLuca can't learn quickly and elevate his play, it could lead to blown assignments.
Realistic outlook for 2025
Given DeLuca's consistent improvement, it's likely he produces another career high in tackles, possibly eclipsing 50. DeLuca's game IQ also makes him a ball hawk, so multiple takeaways can be expected.
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