Penn State football’s Nolan Rucci has called it a day in Happy Valley and is on his way to the league, folks.

The 6’8″, 305-pound offensive tackle is eligible for the draft after two breakout seasons at Penn State. The former five-star recruit and Wisconsin Badger has been praised by NFL general managers for his elite size, athleticism, and ability to protect the quarterback.

Rucci was born into football royalty. The Lititz, Pennsylvania, native is the son of Todd Rucci, a second-round pick out of Penn State who starred for the New England Patriots. His mother, Stacy, was a first-team All-American field hockey player for the Nittany Lions. His brother Hayden played tight end for the Badgers.

Football was always going to be the path for Rucci. He finished as the No. 16 player in the Class of 2021, No. 5 offensive tackle, and the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings. Rucci held offers from many prestigious programs, but chose Wisconsin over Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Penn State.

Rucci’s time in Madison did not go as he expected. He appeared in six games over the course of three years. Rucci didn’t see the field in his redshirt freshman season in 2021. During the 2022 season, the tackle made his collegiate debut against Illinois State and played in two more games throughout the campaign. He made just three more appearances donning the red and white during the 2023 season.

The highlight of his Badger career was his game-winning touchdown catch from Braedyn Locke in Wisconsin’s comeback win over Illinois on October 22, 2023.

Despite being one of the best prospects the Badgers had on their roster, the playing time never came. Following the 2023 season, Rucci entered the transfer portal. He committed to Penn State in January 2024.

Nolan Rucci’s career was revived by the move to Happy Valley. He appeared in all 16 games for the Nittany Lions en route to a College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance in 2024. He made six starts at right tackle. Rucci was noted as the highest-graded offensive lineman (76.6) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, according to PFF.

Rucci started every game for the Nittany Lions in 2025. He earned a 75.4 overall PFF grade, which put him at No. 41 among qualified offensive tackles. Rucci allowed only one sack in 611 snaps with just one penalty.

Despite not getting an invite to the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Rucci still remains on some draft boards. He impressed at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, where his quickness for his size stood out to many scouts.

Brandon Thorn is the author of the “Trench Warfare” newsletter and is a writer for Bleacher Report. He focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. Thorn had the following notes on Rucci on his evaluation here:

• Broad frame with room to continue adding lean muscle mass.

• Solid athletic ability and movement skills.

• Fluidly comes out of his stance to reach his landmark on time in his pass sets.

• Good combo and climb run-blocker with the necessary burst to close space and intersect backers.

• Pedigree and bloodlines point to untapped developmental upside.

Rucci is by no means the perfect prospect. Some NFL teams expressed certain worries in some areas. His underdeveloped frame and below-average play strength limit his ability to absorb and redirect power, according to Thorn. He also struggles closing space when defenders stack and create separation, leaving him prone to overextending and losing his balance.

Bleacher Report has him listed as a developmental fifth-round prospect on its Big Board. Rucci is currently working out with OL Masterminds in Austin, Texas, ahead of the NFL Draft. Notable alumni of this camp include Lane Johnson, Zack Martin, Creed Humphrey, Andrew Whitworth, and many more.

Rucci projects as a swing tackle who can step in for spot starts when needed. It is possible that a move inside to guard where limited foot speed is less of a liability could happen. His size and power may be better suited for the interior, matching up against shorter, stronger rushers instead of quicker edge threats. It is not realistic that Rucci will get drafted and immediately start. Any pro team that drafts him should approach him as a developmental prospect, whose raw talent may still be untapped.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Folks can follow the fun on the NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN.