Dominic DeLuca has been named a Penn State football team captain for the third consecutive season, only the third player in the program’s history to be so honored.
DeLuca, a linebacker and a former Wyoming Area star, was elected by his teammates, along with quarterback Drew Allar, center Nick Dawkins, defensive tackle Zane Durant and long snapper Tyler Duzansky.
The only other Nittany Lions who were team captains for three years or more were quarterback Sean Clifford and defensive back Jonathan Sutherland, who were four-time captains from 2019-22.
DeLuca has played in every game but one the last three seasons on defense and special teams and made his first five career starts last season. He’s one of six returning starters on defense.
He intercepted three passes last season, one at Minnesota and two against SMU in a College Football Playoff first-round game. He returned one for a 23-yard touchdown against the Mustangs.
Allar and Dawkins are team captains for the second straight season and are among seven returning starters on offense. Durant and Duzansky are captains for the first time.
Originally Published: August 17, 2025 at 1:41 PM EDT
