Penn State Safety Kevin Winston Jr. Officially Ruled Out Ahead of Kent State Game

There are no major surprises on the availability report for Penn State’s game against Kent State. Kevin Winston Jr., the team’s star safety who sustained a “long-term” injury against Bowling Green on Sept. 7, has officially been ruled out. So have 12 other players, the majority being freshmen.

Winston joins tight end Andrew Rappleyea, defensive end Zuriah Fisher, linebacker Keon Wylie, quarterback Jaxon Smolik and wide receiver Peter Gonzalez on the list of players who have sustained either “significant” or “long-term” injuries in 2024.

Winston was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week in his lone complete game this season, a contest at West Virginia in which he tallied a career-high 12 tackles. He led the Nittany Lions in tackles last season.

Despite being ruled out, Smolik warmed up with the team prior to kickoff on Saturday and has been an active participant at recent practice viewing sessions. If he returns this fall, he should assume the third-string quarterback job behind Drew Allar and Beau Pribula.

Other players ruled inactive against the Golden Flashes: linebacker Kari Jackson, defensive end Mason Robinson, wide receiver Mehki Flowers, defensive end Sam Siafa and defensive tackles Liam Andrews, De’Andre Cook and T.A. Cunningham.