Penn State’s Abdul Carter Named Finalist for Nagurski Trophy

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter has been named one of four finalists for the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club announced Friday. The honor recognizes the best defensive player in college football.

Carter has totaled 45 total tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles this season. He currently ranks 13th nationally in total sacks and first in the Power Four with 17.5 tackles for loss on the season.

Carter has also been named a finalist for the Lombardi Award and a semi-finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bednarik Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. After recording six total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble against Washington on Nov. 9, he was named the Bednarik Player of the Week and the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week.

Throughout his time with the Nittany Lions, Carter has recorded 149 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, five forced fumbles, 12 pass breakups, and an interception. His sack total is tied for 11th all-time in Penn State football history. The junior defensive end has posted five games with at least two sacks and seven games with at least two tackles for loss as a Nittany Lion.

Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard join Carter as Nagurski finalists. The 2024 winner will be announced at the 30th Annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet on Dec. 9, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Carter and the Nittany Lions return to action at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday to face Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.