A Century‑Spanning Roll Call of Legends
The Sporting News recently compiled an All‑America Teams by the Decades list that shines a spotlight on five former Penn State standouts. Their careers span from the late 1960s to the late 2010s, illustrating how the program has consistently produced talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Ted Kwalick, a tight end whose name graces the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award, finished fourth in Heisman voting in 1968 and remains third all‑time in career receiving yards among tight ends at Penn State with 1,343 yards. His blend of size, speed, and hands set a benchmark for future generations.
Shane Conlan’s collegiate résumé includes two All‑American selections and a 274‑tackle career that culminated in an iconic performance during the 1986 national title game. His dominance earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his status as one of the program’s defensive greats.
Sean Farrell combined academic and athletic excellence, earning two All‑American honors and reaching the final rounds of the Lombardi and Outland awards in 1981. His professional trajectory began when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft, a testament to his pro‑ready skill set.
LaVar Arrington arrived in State College as a sophomore and immediately made history, becoming the first player to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore in 1998. The following year he captured both the Butkus and Bednarik awards, a rare double that underscored his impact as a linebacker and defensive playmaker.
Saquon Barkley’s name appears in the conversation about the greatest running backs in college football history. He finished fourth in the 2017 Heisman Trophy voting, the highest placement for a Nittany Lion in fifteen years, and holds school records for rushing touchdowns (43), total touchdowns (53), and all‑purpose yards (5,538). Barkley is also one of only five Big Ten players ever to amass 3,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career, and the only one from Penn State.
The Sporting News' list deliberately omits the 1950s, a decade that produced Hall of Famers Richie Lucas and Lenny Moore, reminding readers that the conversation about Penn State's greatest ever players is ongoing and multifaceted. Longtime reporter Frank Bodani, who has chronicled the program for decades, provides context on how these modern legends fit into the broader narrative of Penn State football.
Beyond individual accolades, the recognition reflects the university's enduring commitment to excellence on the field. Penn State University and the College Football Hall of Fame both celebrate these achievements, underscoring the program's rich heritage and its continued relevance as the Nittany Lions look ahead to the 2026 season.