Penn State Football: Curtis Jacobs Declares for NFL Draft, Will Play in Peach Bowl

Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs has declared for the NFL Draft but will still play in the Nittany Lions’ upcoming Peach Bowl appearance against Ole Miss. Jacobs announced his decision on Friday evening.

“I want to start by thanking my family and all who have supported me through this long journey,” Jacobs wrote on Twitter. “I’ve dedicated my life to this game, and the consistent love and support from you is what fuels me every day as I continue. Thank you to my Penn State family, coaches, players and fans. My time here has been very special and I will never forget it. I gave everything I had on the field for my brothers and I have made relationships that will last a lifetime. I am truly thankful for the opportunity and experience. 

“With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I am excited to be embarking on this new opportunity and fulfilling a lifelong dream. There is still unfinished business for this season. I am excited to compete with my brothers one last time in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.”

Jacobs is the third Penn State player to declare for the NFL Draft joining defensive end Chop Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson. For his part Robinson will not play in the Peach Bowl while Johnson intends to. Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu told reporters on Friday that he was traveling with Penn State to Atlanta but had yet to make a decision about whether or not he would play or return for next season. Fashanu is widely expected to declare for the draft, but was also expected to do so last season as well and opted instead to return to Penn State.