The athletic makeup. The physical gifts. The jet-quick first step. The punishing way he launches into opposing quarterbacks. These are all readily available with a quick highlight search for the Penn State exploits of a pass rusher whose entry into the NFL is highly anticipated.

Carter, arguably the top prospect in this year’s class, was selected by the New York Giants at No. 3 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night. Carter became the second-highest drafted player in Franklin’s 11-year tenure behind only Saquon Barkley (No. 2 overall, Giants, 2018).

Carter, a former La Salle College High School star was an All-American at defensive end for Penn State. All-American tight end Tyler Warren was picked by the Indianapolis Colts later in the first