Penn State offensive lineman Bryce Effner announced he will “step away” from football in a post to his Instagram account Sunday afternoon. The redshirt senior could have exercised another year of eligibility had he desired.

“These last five years at Penn State have been some of the best years of my life. I will always cherish the memories and relationships made,” Effner wrote. “However, it is time for me to step away from the game I love.”

“I would like to thank my family, teammates, coach Franklin, coach Trautwein, the Penn State fanbase and many others who have played such an important role in my football career,” Effner continued. “Capping off my career with a Rose Bowl victory is something not many are lucky enough to say.”

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Throughout the 2022 season, Effner served as a swing tackle for the Nittany Lions’ offensive line and stepped into a starting role toward the end of the season due to positional injuries. Effner participated in every game of the year, starting the final six.

After committing to Penn State in May 2017, the 6’5″, 284-pounder appeared in 36 games over his five-year career in Happy Valley. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Effner earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention.

Effner’s decision marks the second Penn State offensive lineman set to depart the team. Center Juice Scruggs similarly opted not to flex his final year of eligibility, instead choosing to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

With star left tackle Olu Fashanu, offensive guard Hunter Nourzad, and right tackle Caedan Wallace set to return for the 2023 season, Phil Trautwein’s group still boasts experience. The Nittany Lions’ unit will be bolstered by highly-touted signees including five-star J’ven Williams and the nation’s No. 1 interior offensive lineman recruit Alex Birchmeier.