Over the years, Penn State football has showcased incredible offensive talent, with many players moving on from the blue and white to the NFL.

The NFL brings fantasy football, a major modern phenomenon that dates back to the 1960s. Each year, managers worldwide draft a team of NFL players to build a squad that scores more fantasy points than their opponents.

NFL players earn fantasy points mostly through receptions, yards (receiving, rushing, and passing), and touchdowns. Throughout history, many Nittany Lions have posted seasons with significant point totals.

The seasons shown are based on the points-per-reception (PPR) format, where players get 1 full point per reception.

Let’s look at some of the Nittany Lions’ greatest fantasy football seasons in the NFL.

Saquon Barkley: 2018 & 2024

Throughout his career at Penn State, Saquon Barkley was electric.

In three seasons, he totaled 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns. These numbers led the New York Giants to select him second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, hoping he could match his collegiate production.

Barkley did more than that in his 2018 rookie season. He racked up 2,028 all-purpose yards and 15 total touchdowns for 385.8 PPR fantasy points — the most in any season by a former Nittany Lion since fantasy football began.

Barkley was also the top scorer in 2018 PPR leagues. His numbers also earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, if there was ever a doubt.

In 2024, Barkley had another trademark season, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles.

His 2,283 all-purpose yards and 15 total touchdowns gave him 355.3 PPR fantasy points, which only fell short of 2018 because Barkley had 33 receptions in 2024, compared with a whopping 91 in 2018.

Despite this, 2024 is still widely considered his career year, as he earned First Team All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year honors in the NFL.

Larry Johnson: 2005 & 2006

After a four-year career at Penn State from 1999 to 2002, including a senior season in which he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, Larry Johnson took his talents to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Soon after, Johnson produced two of his best NFL seasons in 2005 and 2006.

In 2005, Johnson totaled 2,093 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns, good for 360.3 PPR fantasy points. A year later, in 2006, Johnson outdid himself, racking up 2,199 all-purpose yards and another 21 total touchdowns, for 370.9 PPR fantasy points.

Johnson also earned accolades in 2006, taking First Team All-Pro honors at running back alongside LaDainian Tomlinson.

Chris Godwin: 2019

Chris Godwin enjoyed a productive three-year career with the Nittany Lions from 2014 to 2016, accumulating 154 receptions for 2,421 yards and 18 touchdowns over 40 games.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the No. 84 overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Since then, Godwin has been an extremely productive NFL receiver. But in 2019, he took his game to new heights.

In 2019, Godwin caught 86 passes for 1,333 yards and 9 touchdowns. He earned 276.1 total PPR fantasy points, second among all wide receivers in 2019.

His production this season also helped him earn Second Team All-Pro honors.

Kerry Collins: 2000

Although Penn State football isn’t known for producing quarterback talent at the next level, Kerry Collins is somewhat of an exception. He put together a strong NFL career from 1995 to 2011.

After a solid four-year career with the Nittany Lions from 1991 to 1994, posting 5,304 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, Collins was selected No. 5 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 1995.

Collins had a relatively average career until he peaked as a passer in 2000 with the New York Giants. That season, Collins threw for 3,610 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns. This breakthrough season earned him 214.9 PPR fantasy points, his career high.

Collins also led his Giants to Super Bowl XXXV that season, but they ultimately fell short to the Baltimore Ravens.