Tyler Warren: Penn State’s Rising Star Tight End is Blazing His Own Trail
By: Ryan Scaife
State College, PA - When Tyler Warren chose to return to Penn State instead of entering the NFL Draft, it was a move that has paid off in a big way—for both Warren and the Nittany Lions. Now six games into the 2024 season, Penn State stands undefeated at 6-0, thanks in part to Warren’s exceptional performances. His breakout game came this past Saturday in Penn State’s thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against USC, where he tied the NCAA record for receptions by a tight end with 17 catches, racking up 224 yards and earning AP National Player of the Week honors.
This latest performance builds on a stellar season that includes an earlier eight-catch, 146-yard game against Bowling Green, which set a Penn State tight end record—until he broke it against USC. Beyond the stats, Warren’s decision to stay has significantly elevated Penn State’s offense, giving quarterback Drew Allar the reliable target he desperately needed.
“He’s very consistent, probably one of the most consistent guys on our team on both sides of the ball,” Allar said recently. “Obviously, he’s a really big target, so that’s nice, and he just finds ways to get open. He does a really good job of feeling zone versus man and those sorts of things, and he’s super crafty and savvy in that aspect of his game. He’s a really good run blocker, so a very complete tight end, and it’s really nice to have that as an option to go to.
A Play For the Ages
Warren’s versatility was on full display against USC in one of the most creative and memorable plays in Penn State history. Just after halftime, with Penn State trailing 20-6, Warren lined up at center. Beau Pribula took the shotgun snap from Warren and lateraled it to Allar, who found a streaking Warren in the end zone. Warren beat his defender in the air to secure a touchdown that cut USC’s lead to 20-13, shifting momentum to Penn State just two minutes into the second half.
“We talked about one of the keys this week being to play to win and not be conservative,” Warren said. “Coach Kotelnicki told us as soon as we crossed the 50-yard line on the left side, he was calling that play. We knew it was coming, and we practiced it a bunch of times.”
“It’s going to sound funny, but we practice that all the time,” Warren added. “So, it’s just doing another job on the play. Drew gave me a chance to go up and make a play. It was a good ball, and just coming down with it was big.”
Warren’s Journey Back to Penn State
Warren’s decision to return to Penn State wasn’t made lightly. In December 2023, as the Nittany Lions prepared for the Peach Bowl, he reflected on the process. “There were a lot of things that went into it,” Warren explained during a Peach Bowl Zoom call. “I’m definitely excited to come back, but right now, my focus is on finishing the season with this team.”
His return has provided invaluable stability for the Nittany Lions’ offense, particularly with first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki implementing new schemes. Warren’s ability to contribute in both the passing and running game has allowed Kotelnicki to unlock the full potential of Penn State’s offense.
Setting a New Standard
Warren’s decision to bypass the NFL Draft is especially significant in today’s era of NIL deals and transfer portal movement. By staying in college, he’s not only improved his draft stock but also become a leader on a team poised for a College Football Playoff run. If he continues on this trajectory, Warren could end the season as The John Mackey Award winner, further cementing his legacy at Penn State.
With a bye week ahead, Warren and the Nittany Lions are well-positioned for the remainder of the season. His leadership, versatility, and playmaking ability have set the tone for the team’s success. Warren’s journey is proof that staying the course can pay off—and that sometimes, charting your own path is the best way to achieve greatness.
Tyler Warren · Sr. · TE · 6-6 · 256 · Mechanicsville, Va. · Atlee
Caught a career-high 17 passes for a career-best 224 yards and one touchdown against USC.
Set a Penn State and Big Ten tight end record with 224 receiving yards, while joining Northwestern’s Jon Harvey (208 vs. Michigan, 1982) as the only Big Ten tight ends to go over 200 receiving yards in a game.
His 17 receptions are a Penn State record and tie the FBS tight end record, set by New Mexico’s Emilio Vallez in 1967 and matched by Harvey in 1982.
Warren’s 224 receiving yards are the second-most by a Penn State player, trailing only Jahan Dotson’s 242 yards at Maryland in 2021.
Named William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist and is on the Mackey Award watch list.
He owns 89 receptions for 1,119 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding three rushing scores and a passing touchdown at Penn State.
He has the most total touchdowns (18; 15 receiving, 3 rushing) all-time among Penn State tight ends.
