Penn State football’s Brenton Strange declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after four seasons with the Nittany Lions via Twitter Tuesday night. Despite his professional aspirations, the redshirt junior tight end announced he will still play in the upcoming Rose Bowl against Utah.

“I couldn’t be more thankful to have called State College home for the last four years,” Strange wrote. “Since my arrival in 2019, I have grown tremendously on and off the field. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the Penn State community.”

“I have decided to forgo my senior season and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft,” Strange continued. “I am looking forward to being with the Penn State Football family one last time and competing in the Rose Bowl.”

Through his four-year tenure in Happy Valley, Strange played in 31 games and asserted himself as a dangerous offensive weapon. Strange boasts 755 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 70 career catches.

In the 2022 season, Strange blossomed as a top option in the Penn State offense, starting every game of the second consecutive year. Strange finished the regular season responsible for the team’s most receiving touchdowns, as well as the year’s longest passing play – a 67-yard touchdown catch against Purdue.

Strange is the third Nittany Lion to declare for the NFL Draft this December. Center Juice Scruggs joined defensive lineman Nick Tarburton and wide receiver Parker Washington in that group Friday.

Strange’s decision not to opt out of the 2023 Rose Bowl serves as the latest example of Penn State’s player retention this postseason. Despite multiple players declaring for the NFL Draft, only one elected not to participate: cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Washington declared for the draft, but was already expected to miss the Rose Bowl due to injury.