Penn State Nittany Lions football statistical leaders

The Penn State Nittany Lions football statistical leaders are statistical leaders of the Penn State Nittany Lions football program in various categories,[1] including passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive stats, kicking and overall team performance. Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, career leaders and all time records. The Nittany Lions represent Pennsylvania State University in the NCAA's Big Ten Conference.

Although Penn State began competing in intercollegiate football in 1887,[1] the school's official record book considers the "modern era" to have begun in 1970. Records from before this year are often incomplete and inconsistent, and they are generally not included in these lists.

These lists are dominated by more recent players for several reasons:

  • Since 1970, seasons have increased from 10 games to 11 and then 12 games in length.
  • The NCAA didn't allow freshmen to play varsity football until 1972 (with the exception of the World War II years), allowing players to have four-year careers.
  • Bowl games only began counting toward single-season and career statistics in 2002,[2] allowing players in most seasons since then an extra game to accumulate statistics.
  • The Nittany Lions played in the 2016 Big Ten Football Championship Game, giving players in that season yet another game to amass statistics.
  • Starting in 2018 a redshirted player was allowed to play in up to 4 games in a season and still maintain their status allowing players to gain an extra season of statistics.
  • Due to COVID-19 issues, the NCAA ruled that the 2020 season would not count against the athletic eligibility of any football player, giving everyone who played in that season the opportunity for five years of eligibility instead of the normal four.[3]

Passing

Passing yards

Career
Rank Player Yards Years
1 Sean Clifford 10,661[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Trace McSorley 9,899 2015 2016 2017 2018
3 Christian Hackenberg 8,427 2013 2014 2015
4 Zack Mills 7,212 2001 2002 2003 2004
5 Matt McGloin 6,390 2009 2010 2011 2012
6 Tony Sacca 5,869 1988 1989 1990 1991
7 Daryll Clark 5,742 2006 2007 2008 2009
8 Chuck Fusina 5,382 1975 1976 1977 1978
9 Kerry Collins 5,304 1991 1992 1993 1994
10 Anthony Morelli 5,275 2004 2005 2006 2007
Single season
Rank Player Yards Year
1 Trace McSorley 3,614 2016
2 Trace McSorley 3,570 2017
3 Matt McGloin 3,271 2012
4 Sean Clifford 3,107[4] 2021
5 Daryll Clark 3,003 2009
6 Christian Hackenberg 2,977 2014
7 Christian Hackenberg 2,955 2013
8 Sean Clifford 2,882[4] 2022
9 Kerry Collins 2,679 1994
10 Sean Clifford 2,654[4] 2019
Single game
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent
1 Christian Hackenberg 454[5] 2014 UCF (Croke Park Classic)
2 Sean Clifford 401[6] 2021 Villanova
3 Zack Mills 399 2002 Iowa
4 Sean Clifford 398[7] 2019 Maryland
5 Matt McGloin 395 2012 Indiana
6 Trace McSorley 384[8] 2016 Wisconsin (B10 CG)
7 Trace McSorley 381 2017 Michigan State
8 Michael Robinson 379 2003 Wisconsin
9 Trace McSorley 376[9] 2016 Michigan State
10 Christian Hackenberg 371[10] 2014 Boston College (Pinstripe Bowl)
Sean Clifford 371[11] 2022 Ohio State

Passing touchdowns

Career
Rank Player TDs Years
1 Sean Clifford 86[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Trace McSorley 77 2015 2016 2017 2018
3 Christian Hackenberg 48 2013 2014 2015
4 Matt McGloin 46 2009 2010 2011 2012
5 Daryll Clark 43 2006 2007 2008 2009
6 Todd Blackledge 41 1980 1981 1982
Tony Sacca 41 1988 1989 1990 1991
Zack Mills 41 2001 2002 2003 2004
9 Kerry Collins 39 1991 1992 1993 1994
10 Chuck Fusina 37 1975 1976 1977 1978
Single season
Rank Player TDs Year
1 Trace McSorley 29 2016
2 Trace McSorley 28 2017
3 Drew Allar 25 2023
4 Daryll Clark 24 2009
Matt McGloin 24 2012
Sean Clifford 24[4] 2022
7 Sean Clifford 23[4] 2019
8 Todd Blackledge 22 1982
9 Tony Sacca 21 1991
Kerry Collins 21 1994
Sean Clifford 21[4] 2021
Single game
Rank Player TDs Year Opponent
1 Tony Sacca 5 1991 Georgia Tech
Rashard Casey 5 2000 Louisiana Tech
3 Tom Sherman 4 1967 Pittsburgh
Chuck Fusina 4 1978 Syracuse
Zack Mills 4 2002 Iowa
Anthony Morelli 4 2007 Buffalo
Daryll Clark 4 2008 Michigan State
Daryll Clark 4 2009 Michigan Michigan State
Matt McGloin 4 2012 Indiana
Christian Hackenberg 4 2013 Wisconsin
Christian Hackenberg 4[10] 2014 Boston College (Pinstripe Bowl)
Trace McSorley 4[9] 2016 Michigan State Wisconsin (B1G 10 CG)
Trace McSorley 4[12] 2016 USC (Rose Bowl)
Trace McSorley 4[9] 2017 Georgia State
Sean Clifford 4 2019 Michigan State
Sean Clifford 4[6] 2021 Villanova
Sean Clifford 4 2022 Purdue
Sean Clifford 4 2022 Minnesota
Sean Clifford 4 2022 Michigan State
Drew Allar 4[13] 2023 Iowa
Drew Allar 4[14] 2023 Maryland

Passing attempts

Career
Rk Player Attempts Years
1 Sean Clifford 1,356[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Christian Hackenberg 1,235 2013 2014 2015
3 Trace McSorley 1,215 2015 2016 2017 2018
4 Zach Mills 1,082 2001 2002 2003 2004
5 Matt McGloin 894 2009 2010 2011 2012
6 Tony Sacca 824 1988 1989 1990 1991
7 Anthony Morelli 821 2004 2005 2006 2007
8 Daryll Clark 738 2006 2007 2008 2009
9 Wally Richardson 692 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
10 Chuck Fusina 664 1975 1976 1977 1978
Single Season
Rk Player Attempts Year
1 Christian Hackenberg 484 2014
2 Matt McGloin 446 2012
3 Sean Clifford 428[4] 2021
4 Trace McSorley 427 2017
5 Anthony Morelli 402 2007
6 Christian Hackenberg 392 2013
7 Drew Allar 389 2023
8 Trace McSorley 387 2016
9 Anthony Morelli 386 2006
10 Daryll Clark 381 2009
Single Game
Rk Player Attempts Year Opponent
1 Sean Clifford 57 2020 Maryland
2 Christian Hackenberg 55 2013 Indiana
3 Sean Clifford 52 2021 Ohio State
4 Rashard Casey 51 2000 Iowa
Matt McGloin 51 2012 Northwestern
6 Christian Hackenberg 50 2014 Boston College (Pinstripe Bowl)
7 Zach Mills 49 2004 Purdue
Christian Hackenberg 49 2014 Ohio State
9 Matt McGloin 48 2012 Ohio
Trace McSorley 48 2017 Iowa

Passing completions

Career
Rk Player Completions Years
1 Sean Clifford 833 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Trace McSorley 720 2015 2016 2017 2018
3 Christian Hackenberg 693 2013 2014 2015
4 Zach Mills 606 2001 2002 2003 2004
5 Matt McGloin 513 2009 2010 2011 2012
6 Anthony Morelli 460 2004 2005 2006 2007
7 Daryll Clark 444 2006 2007 2008 2009
8 Tony Sacca 401 1988 1989 1990 1991
9 Wally Richardson 378 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
10 Chuck Fusina 371 1975 1976 1977 1978
Single Season
Rk Player Completions Year
1 Trace McSorley 284 2017
2 Matt McGloin 270 2012
Christian Hackenberg 270 2014
4 Sean Clifford 261 2021
5 Anthony Morelli 234 2007
6 Drew Allar 233 2023
7 Daryll Clark 232 2009
8 Christian Hackenberg 231 2013
9 Sean Clifford 226 2022
10 Trace McSorley 224 2016
Single Game
Rk Player Completions Year Opponent
1 Matt McGloin 35 2012 Northwestern
Sean Clifford 35 2021 Ohio State
3 Christian Hackenberg 34 2014 Boston College (Pinstripe Bowl)
4 Christian Hackenberg 32 2014 UCF
Trace McSorley 32 2017 Washington (Fiesta Bowl)
Sean Clifford 32 2022 Ohio State
7 Christian Hackenberg 31 2014 Ohio State
8 Christian Hackenberg 30 2013 Indiana

Passing completion percentage

  • Minimum of 100 attempts for career
Career
Rk Player Completion % Years
1 Sean Clifford 61.4%[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Daryll Clark 60.2% 2006 2007 2008 2009
3 Will Levis 59.8% 2019 2020
4 Drew Allar 59.6% 2022 2023
5 Trace McSorley 59.3% 2015 2016 2017 2018
6 Matt McGloin 57.4% 2009 2010 2011 2012
7 Kerry Collins 56.3% 1991 1992 1993 1994
8 Christian Hackenberg 56.1% 2013 2014 2015
9 Zack Mills 56.0% 2001 2002 2003 2004
Anthony Morelli 56.0% 2004 2005 2006 2007
11 Chuck Fusina 55.9% 1975 1976 1977 1978

Interceptions

Career
Rk Player Interceptions Years
1 Todd Blackledge 41 1980 1981 1982
2 Zack Mills 39 2001 2002 2003 2004
3 Chuck Fusina 32 1975 1976 1977 1978
4 Christian Hackenberg 31 2013 2014 2015
Sean Clifford 31[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
6 Trace McSorley 25 2015 2016 2017 2018
7 Tony Sacca 24 1988 1989 1990 1991
John Shaffer 24 1983 1984 1985 1986
9 Kerry Collins 21 1991 1992 1993 1994
Michael Robinson 21 2002 2004 2004 2005

Longest touchdown pass

Career
Rk Passer Receiver Yards Year Opponent
1 Sean Clifford Daniel George 95 2018 Kent State
2 Trace McSorley K. J. Hamler 93 2018 Ohio State
3 Harold Hess Bob Higgins 92 1919 Pittsburgh
4 Sean Clifford KeAndre Lambert-Smith 88 2022 Utah (Rose Bowl)
5 Steve Joachim Jim Scott 86 1971 Navy
Sean Clifford Jahan Dotson 86 2021 Maryland
7 Trace McSorley Saquon Barkley 85 2017 Georgia State
8 Sean Clifford KeAndre Lambert-Smith 83 2021 Villanova
9 Matt Knizner Eric Hamilton 82 1982 Pittsburgh
Matt Knizner Eric Hamilton 82 1986 Pittsburgh
Kerry Collins Freddie Scott 82 1994 Rutgers

Rushing

Rushing yards

Career
Rank Player Yards Years
1 Evan Royster 3,932 2007 2008 2009 2010
2 Saquon Barkley 3,843 2015 2016 2017
3 Curt Warner 3,398 1979 1980 1981 1982
4 Tony Hunt 3,320 2003 2004 2005 2006
5 Blair Thomas 3,301 1986 1987 1988 1989
6 Curtis Enis 3,256 1995 1996 1997
7 DJ Dozier 3,227 1983 1984 1985 1986
8 Larry Johnson 2,953 2000 2001 2002
9 Lydell Mitchell 2,934 1969 1970 1971
10 Ki-Jana Carter 2,829 1992 1993 1994
Single season
Rank Player Yards Year
1 Larry Johnson 2,087 2002
2 Lydell Mitchell 1,567 1971
3 Ki-Jana Carter 1,539 1994
4 John Cappelletti 1,522 1973
5 Saquon Barkley 1,496 2016
6 Blair Thomas 1,414 1987
7 Tony Hunt 1,386 2006
8 Curtis Enis 1,363 1997
9 Blair Thomas 1,341 1989
10 Rodney Kinlaw 1,329 2007
Single game
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent
1 Larry Johnson 327 2002 Indiana
2 Larry Johnson 279 2002 Illinois
Larry Johnson 279 2002 Michigan State
4 Larry Johnson 257 2002 Northwestern
5 Curt Warner 256 1981 Syracuse
6 Shorty Miller 250 1913 Carnegie Tech
7 Bob Pollard 243 1951 Rutgers
8 Curtis Enis 241 1996 USC (Kickoff Classic)
9 Bob Campbell 239 1968 Syracuse
10 Curt Warner 238 1981 Nebraska

Rushing touchdowns

Career
Rank Player TDs Years
1 Saquon Barkley 43 2015 2016 2017
2 Lydell Mitchell 38 1969 1970 1971
3 Curtis Enis 36 1995 1996 1997
4 Ki-Jana Carter 34 1992 1993 1994
5 Charlie Pittman 30 1967 1968 1969
Trace McSorley 30 2015 2016 2017 2018
7 John Cappelletti 29 1972 1973
Richie Anderson 29 1991 1992
Evan Royster 29 2007 2008 2009 2010
10 Matt Suhey 26 1976 1977 1978 1979
Larry Johnson 26 2000 2001 2002
Single season
Rank Player TDs Year
1 Lydell Mitchell 26 1971
2 Ki-Jana Carter 23 1994
3 Larry Johnson 20 2002
4 Curtis Enis 19 1997
5 Richie Anderson 18 1992
Saquon Barkley 18 2016
Saquon Barkley 18 2017
8 John Cappelletti 17 1973
9 Charlie Pittman 14 1968
10 Curtis Enis 13 1996
Bill McCleary 13 1907
Harry Robb 13 1917
Single game
Rank Player TDs Year Opponent
1 Harry Robb 6 1917 Gettysburg
2 Shorty Miller 5 1913 Carnegie Tech
Lydell Mitchell 5 1971 Maryland
Ki-Jana Carter 5 1994 Michigan State
5 Franco Harris 4 1971 Iowa
Lydell Mitchell 4 1971 Navy
Lydell Mitchell 4 1971 TCU
Lydell Mitchell 4 1971 North Carolina State
John Cappelletti 4 1973 West Virginia
John Cappelletti 4 1973 Ohio
Brian O'Neal 4 1992 Pittsburgh
Larry Johnson 4 2002 Indiana
Larry Johnson 4 2002 Michigan State
Saquon Barkley 4[15] 2016 Pittsburgh

Longest rushing plays

Receiving

Receptions

Career
Rank Player Rec Years
1 DaeSean Hamilton 214 2014 2015 2016 2017
2 Jahan Dotson 183[16] 2018 2019 2020 2021
3 Deon Butler 179 2005 2006 2007 2008
4 Allen Robinson 177 2011 2012 2013
5 Bobby Engram 167 1993 1994 1995 1996
6 Derrick Williams 161 2005 2006 2007 2008
7 Jordan Norwood 158 2005 2006 2007 2008
8 Chris Godwin 154 2014 2015 2016
9 Parker Washington 146[17] 2020 2021 2022
10 Derek Moye 144 2008 2009 2010 2011
Single season
Rank Player Rec Year
1 Allen Robinson 97 2013
2 Jahan Dotson 91[16] 2021
3 DaeSean Hamilton 82 2014
4 Allen Robinson 77 2012
5 Chris Godwin 69 2015
6 Parker Washington 64[17] 2021
7 O. J. McDuffie 63 1992
8 Bobby Engram 63 1995
9 Chris Godwin 59 2016
10 Mike Gesicki 57 2017
Single game
Rank Player Rec Year Opponent
1 DaeSean Hamilton 14[18] 2014 Ohio State
2 Freddie Scott 13 1995 Wisconsin
3 Allen Robinson 12 2013 Indiana
Allen Robinson 12 2013 Ohio State
Saquon Barkley 12 2017 Iowa
6 O. J. McDuffie 11 1992 Boston College
Deon Butler 11 2006 Northwestern
Allen Robinson 11 2013 Illinois
Chris Godwin 11[19] 2015 Michigan State
Jahan Dotson 11[20] 2021 Ohio State
Jahan Dotson 11 2021 Maryland
Parker Washington 11[11] 2022 Ohio State

Receiving yards

Career
Rank Player Yards Years
1 Bobby Engram 3,026 1993 1994 1995
2 DaeSean Hamilton 2,842 2014 2015 2016 2017
3 Deon Butler 2,771 2005 2006 2007 2008
4 Jahan Dotson 2,757[16] 2018 2019 2020 2021
5 Allen Robinson 2,474 2011 2012 2013
6 Chris Godwin 2,421 2014 2015 2016
7 Derek Moye 2,395 2008 2009 2010 2011
8 Jordan Norwood 2,015 2005 2006 2007 2008
9 Bryant Johnson 2,008 2000 2001 2002
10 Kenny Jackson 2,006 1980 1981 1982 1983
Single season
Rank Player Yards Year
1 Allen Robinson 1,432 2013
2 Jahan Dotson 1,182[16] 2021
3 Chris Godwin 1,101 2015
4 Bobby Engram 1,084 1995
5 Bobby Engram 1,029 1994
6 Allen Robinson 1,018 2012
7 Chris Godwin 982 2016
8 O. J. McDuffie 977 1992
9 Freddie Scott 973 1994
10 Bryant Johnson 917 2002
Single game
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent
1 Jahan Dotson 242 2021 Maryland
2 Deon Butler 216 2006 Northwestern
3 O. J. McDuffie 212 1992 Boston College
4 Bobby Engram 203 1995 Purdue
5 Bobby Engram 200 1994 Rutgers
6 Allen Robinson 197 2012 Indiana
7 Jahan Dotson 189 2020 Illinois
8 Chris Godwin 187[12] 2016 USC (Rose Bowl)
9 Parker Washington 179[11] 2022 Ohio State
10 Chafie Fields 177 1999 Miami (FL)

Receiving touchdowns

Career
Rank Player TDs Years
1 Bobby Engram 31 1993 1994 1995
2 Kenny Jackson 25 1980 1981 1982 1983
Jahan Dotson 25[16] 2018 2019 2020 2021
4 Deon Butler 22 2005 2006 2007 2008
5 Derek Moye 18 2008 2009 2010 2011
Chris Godwin 18 2014 2015 2016
DaeSean Hamilton 18 2014 2015 2016 2017
8 Allen Robinson 17 2011 2012 2013
9 O. J. McDuffie 16 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Pat Freiermuth 16[21] 2018 2019 2020
Single season
Rank Player TDs Year
1 Bobby Engram 13 1993
2 Jahan Dotson 12[16] 2021
3 Bobby Engram 11 1995
Allen Robinson 11 2012
Chris Godwin 11 2016
6 Joe Jurevicius 10 1997
7 O. J. McDuffie 9 1992
Freddie Scott 9 1994
Deon Butler 9 2005
Mike Gesicki 9* 2017
DaeSean Hamilton 9 2017
Single game
Rank Player TDs Year Opponent
1 Bobby Engram 4 1993 Minnesota
2 Freddie Scott 3 1994 Temple
Bobby Engram 3 1995 Rutgers
Joe Jurevicius 3 1997 Louisville
Deon Butler 3 2008 Michigan State
Allen Robinson 3 2012 Navy
Allen Robinson 3 2012 Indiana
DaeSean Hamilton 3 2017 Indiana
Pat Freiermuth 3 2019 Michigan State
Jahan Dotson 3[22] 2020 Ohio State
Jahan Dotson 3 2021 Maryland

Longest touchdown reception

All-Time
Rank Receiver Passer Yards Year Opponent
1 Daniel George Sean Clifford 95 2018 Kent State
2 K. J. Hamler Trace McSorley 93 2018 Ohio State
3 Bob Higgins Bill Hess 92 1919 Pittsburgh
4 KeAndre Lambert-Smith Sean Clifford 88 2022 Utah (Rose Bowl)
5 Jim Scott Steve Joachim 86 1971 Navy
Jahan Dotson Sean Clifford 86 2021 Maryland
7 Saquon Barkley Trace McSorley 85 2017 Georgia State
8 Sean Clifford KeAndre Lambert-Smith 83[6] 2021 Villanova
9 Eric Hamilton Matt Knizner 82 1982 Pittsburgh
Eric Hamilton Matt Knizner 82 1986 Pittsburgh
Freddie Scott Kerry Collins 82 1994 Rutgers
  • All-time career and single season records for Tight Ends

Total offense

Total offense yards

Career
Rk Player Yards Years
1 Sean Clifford 11,734[4] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Trace McSorley 11,596 2015 2016 2017 2018
3 Christian Hackenberg 8,215 2013 2014 2015
4 Zack Mills 7,853 2001 2002 2003 2004
5 Daryll Clark 6,377 2006 2007 2008 2009
6 Matt McGloin 6,325 2009 2010 2011 2012
7 Tony Sacca 6,000 1988 1989 1990 1991
8 Saquon Barkley 5,574 2015 2016 2017
9 Kerry Collins 5,300 1991 1992 1993 1994
10 Michael Robinson 5,168 2002 2003 2004 2005
Single season
Rk Player Yards Year
1 Trace McSorley 4,061 2017
2 Trace McSorley 3,979 2016
3 Trace McSorley 3,328 2018
4 Sean Clifford 3,270[4] 2021
5 Matt McGloin 3,220 2012
6 Daryll Clark 3,214 2009
7 Michael Robinson 3,156 2005
8 Sean Clifford 3,056[4] 2019
9 Sean Clifford 2,998[4] 2022
10 Christian Hackenberg 2,887 2013
Single game
Rk Player Yards Year Opponent
1 Trace McSorley 461[23] 2018 Ohio State
2 Christian Hackenberg 456[5] 2014 UCF (Croke Park Classic)
3 Sean Clifford 452 2019 Maryland
4 Zack Mills 418 2001 Ohio State
5 Trace McSorley 408[24] 2016 Minnesota
6 Trace McSorley 402[9] 2017 Washington (Fiesta Bowl)
7 Michael Robinson 398 2003 Wisconsin
8 Sean Clifford 393[6] 2021 Villanova
9 Zack Mills 389 2002 Iowa
Trace McSorley 389[9] 2016 Michigan State

Touchdowns responsible for

In official NCAA records, "touchdowns responsible for" includes rushing and passing touchdowns, but not receptions or returns—the same statistical categories used to measure total offense.[25]

Defense

Interceptions

Career
Rank Player Ints Years
1 Neal Smith 19 1967 1968 1969
2 Pete Harris 15 1977 1978 1979 1980
Darren Perry 15 1988 1989 1990 1991
4 Kim Herring 13 1993 1994 1995 1996
5 Brian Miller 12 1994 1995 1996
Anthony Scirrotto 12 2005 2006 2007 2008
Alan Zemaitis 12 2003 2004 2005
Single season
Rank Player Ints Year
1 Neal Smith 10 1969
Pete Harris 10 1978
3 Darren Perry 7 1990
Kim Herring 7 1996
5 Sherrod Rainge 6 1989
Leonard Humphries 6 1990
Darren Perry 6 1991
David Macklin 6 1998
Alan Zemaitis 6 2005
Anthony Scirrotto 6 2006
Ji'Ayir Brown 6 2021

Tackles

Career
Rank Player Tackles Years
1 Dan Connor 419 2004 2005 2006 2007
2 Paul Posluszny 372 2003 2004 2005 2006
3 Dan Connor 334 2004 2005 2006 2007|
4 Marcus Allen 320 2014 2015 2016 2017|
5 Sean Lee 313 2006 2007 2008 2009
6 Marcus Allen 311 2014 2015 2016 2017
7 Mike Hull 294 2011 2012 2013 2014
8 Jason Cabinda 285 2014 2015 2016 2017
Single season
Rank Player Tackles Year
1 Greg Buttle 165 1974
2 Dan Connor 145 2007
3 Sean Lee 138 2007
4 Mike Hull 138 2014
5 Paul Posluszny 116 2005
Paul Posluszny 116 2006
Josh Hull 116 2009
8 Dan Connor 113 2006
9 Chris Colasanti 112 2010
10 Marcus Allen 110 2016

Sacks

Career
Rank Player Sacks Years
1 Courtney Brown 33.0 1996 1997 1998 1999
2 Larry Kubin 30.0 1977 1978 1979 1980
3 Michael Haynes 25.5 1999 2000 2001 2002
4 Shaka Toney 20.5 2017 2018 2019 2020
5 Anthony Zettel 20.0 2012 2013 2014 2015
6 Yetur Gross-Matos 18.5 2017 2018 2019
7 Carl Nassib 17.5 2013 2014 2015
8 Maurice Evans 17.0 2006 2007 2008
9 Jay Alford 16.5 2003 2004 2005 2006
10 Aaron Maybin 16.0 2007 2008
Single season
Rank Player Sacks Year
1 Carl Nassib 15.5 2015
2 Larry Kubin 15.0 1979
Michael Haynes 15.0 2002
4 Courtney Brown 13.5 1999
5 Maurice Evans 12.5 2007
6 Aaron Maybin 12.0 2008
7 Tamba Hali 11.0 2005
8 Arnold Ebiketie 9.5[26] 2021
9 Yetur Gross-Matos 9 2019
10 Tamba Hali 8.5 2004

Kicking

Extra Point Attempts

Career
Rk Player XPA Years
1 Jake Pinegar 202[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Kevin Kelly 185 2005 2006 2007 2008
3 Tyler Davis 144 2015 2016 2017
4 Brett Conway 142 1993 1994 1995 1996
5 Craig Fayak 139 1990 1991 1992 1993
6 Travis Forney 121 1996 1997 1998 1999
Robbie Gould 121 2001 2002 2003 2004
8 Sam Ficken 112 2011 2012 2013 2014
9 Massimo Manca 87 1982 1984 1985 1986
10 Collin Wagner 85 1976 1977 1978

Extra Points Made

Career
Rk Player XPM Years
1 Jake Pinegar 195[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2 Kevin Kelly 183 2005 2006 2007 2008
3 Tyler Davis 144 2015 2016 2017
4 Brett Conway 141 1993 1994 1995 1996
5 Craig Fayak 132 1990 1991 1992 1993
6 Travis Forney 117 1996 1997 1998 1999
7 Robbie Gould 115 2001 2002 2003 2004
8 Sam Ficken 109 2011 2012 2013 2014
9 Massimo Manca 86 1982 1984 1985 1986
10 Collin Wagner 85 2007 2008 2009 2010

Extra Point Percentage

  • Minimum of 40 Attempts
Career
Rk Player XP% Years
1 Tyler Davis 100% 2015 2016 2017
Collin Wagner 100% 2007 2008 2009 2010
Herb Menhardt 100% 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
Alex Felkins 100% 2023
5 Brett Conway 99.3% 1993 1994 1995 1996
6 Kevin Kelly 98.9% 2005 2006 2007 2008
Massimo Manca 98.9% 1982 1984 1985 1986
8 Sam Ficken 97.3% 2011 2012 2013 2014
9 Travis Forney 96.7% 1996 1997 1998 1999
10 Jake Pinegar 96.5% 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Field Goal Attempts

Career
Rk Player FGA Years
1 Kevin Kelly 107 2005 2006 2007 2008
2 Craig Fayak 80 1990 1991 1992 1993
3 Sam Ficken 75 2011 2012 2013 2014
4 Jake Pinegar 67[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
5 Travis Forney 63 1996 1997 1998 1999
6 Brett Conway 61 1993 1994 1995 1996
Matt Bahr 61 1976 1977 1978
Robbie Gould 61 2001 2002 2003 2004
9 Massimo Manca 59 1982 1984 1985 1986
10 Tyler Davis 49 2015 2016 2017
Nick Gancitano 49 1982 1983 1984

Field Goals Made

Career
Rk Player FGs Years
1 Kevin Kelly 78 2005 2006 2007 2008
2 Sam Ficken 54 2011 2012 2013 2014
3 Craig Fayak 50 1990 1991 1992 1993
4 Jake Pinegar 49[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
5 Travis Forney 47 1996 1997 1998 1999
6 Brett Conway 45 1993 1994 1995 1996
7 Massimo Manca 40 1982 1984 1985 1986
8 Matt Bahr 39 1976 1977 1978
Robbie Gould 39 2001 2002 2003 2004
Tyler Davis 39 2015 2016 2017
Single season
Rk Player FGs Year
1 Sam Ficken 24 2014
2 Matt Bahr 22 1977
Kevin Kelly 22 2006
Tyler Davis 22 2016
5 Massimo Manca 21 1985
Travis Forney 21 1999
7 Travis Forney 20 1998
Kevin Kelly 20 2007
Kevin Kelly 20 2008
Collin Wagner 20 2010
Single game
Rk Player FGs Year Opponent
1 Brian Franco 5 1981 Nebraska
Massimo Manca 5 1985 Notre Dame
Travis Forney 5 1998 Michigan State
Collin Wagner 5 2010 Temple

Field Goal Percentage

*Minimum of 40 Attempts

Career
Rk Player FG% Years
1 Nick Gancitano 77.6% 1982 1983 1984
2 Travis Forney 74.6% 1996 1997 1998 1999
3 Brett Conway 73.8% 1993 1994 1995 1996
4 Jake Pinegar 73.1%[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
5 Kevin Kelly 72.9% 2005 2006 2007 2008
6 Sam Ficken 72.0% 2011 2012 2013 2014
7 Massimo Manca 67.8% 1982 1984 1985 1986
8 Matt Bahr 63.9% 1976 1977 1978
Robbie Gould 63.9% 2001 2002 2003 2004

Points

Career
Rk Player XPM FGM Total PTS Years
1 Kevin Kelly 183 78 417 2005 2006 2007 2008
2 Jake Pinegar 195 49 342[27] 2018 2019 2020 2021
3 Craig Fayak 182 50 282 1990 1991 1992 1993
4 Brett Conway 141 45 276 1993 1994 1995 1996
5 Sam Ficken 109 54 271 2011 2012 2013 2014
6 Tyler Davis 144 39 261 2015 2016 2017
7 Travis Forney 117 47 255 1996 1997 1998 1999
8 Robbie Gould 115 39 232 2001 2002 2003 2004
9 Massimo Manca 86 40 206 1982 1984 1985 1986
10 Matt Bahr 74 39 191 1976 1977 1978
Collin Wagner 85 36 191 2007 2008 2009 2010

Longest field goal made

All-Time
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent
1 Jordan Stout 57 2019 Pittsburgh
2 Chris Bahr 55 1975 Temple
3 Sam Ficken 54 2013 Kent State
4 Kevin Kelly 53 2007 Iowa
Jordan Stout 53 2019 Idaho
6 Kevin Kelly 52 2008 Syracuse
Jordan Stout 52 2021 Michigan
8 Jake Pinegar 50 2022 Indiana
Jake Pinegar 50 2022 Maryland
Alex Felkins 50[28] 2023 Indiana

Special teams

Longest kickoff return

All-Time
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent Notes
1 Chaz Powell 100 2010 Youngstown State Resulted in Touchdown
Lamont Wade 100 2020 Illinois Resulted in Touchdown
Nicholas Singleton 100 2022 Rutgers Resulted in Touchdown
4 Saquon Barkley 98 2017 Indiana Resulted in Touchdown
5 Larry Johnson 97 2001 Illinois
A.J. Wallace 97 2007 Ohio State Resulted in Touchdown
Saquon Barkley 97 2017 Ohio State Resulted in Touchdown
8 Chaz Powell 95 2011 Indiana State Resulted in Touchdown
9 Derrick Williams 94 2008 Illinois Resulted in Touchdown
Johnathan Thomas 94 2018 Indiana

Longest punt return

All-Time
Rank Player Yards Year Opponent Notes
1 Jahan Dotson 81 2020 Michigan State Resulted in Touchdown
2 Derrick Williams 78 2007 Notre Dame Resulted in Touchdown
3 Derrick Williams 78 2006 Temple Resulted in Touchdown
4 Daequan Hardy 68[29] 2023 UMass Resulted in Touchdown
5 Derrick Williams 63 2008 Wisconsin Resulted in Touchdown
6 DeAndre Tompkins 61 2017 Akron Resulted in Touchdown
7 Daequan Hardy 56[29] 2023 UMass Resulted in Touchdown
8 Jahan Dotson 50 2020 Illinois Helped set up two play touchdown drive

Overall team records

Largest win / loss margin

Longest win streaks

Home & Away
Rank Games First Win Last Win Days Opponent to End Streak Score
1 23 9/21/1968 9/19/1970 728 @ Colorado 41-13
2 20 11/6/1993 9/23/1995 686 Wisconsin 17-9
3 19 10/8/1977 11/24/1978 412 Alabama (Sugar Bowl) 17-7
4 15 10/24/1970 11/20/1971 392 @ Tennessee 31-11
5 13 9/15/1973 9/14/1974 364 Navy 7- 6
13 9/6/1986 9/5/1987 364 Alabama 24-13
7 12 10/25/1919 11/6/1920 378 @Lehigh 7-7
12 10/26/1996 11/1/1997 371 Michigan 34-8
9 11 11/30/1911 10/11/1913 681 @ Washington & Jefferson 17-0
11 9/7/1985 11/23/1985 77 Oklahoma (Orange Bowl) 25-10
11 10/19/1991 10/3/1992 350 Miami (FL) 17-14
11 11/28/1998 10/30/1999 336 Minnesota 24 -23
Home
Rank Games First Win Last Win Days Opponent to End Streak Score
1 29 10/4/1919 10/11/1924 1834 Syracuse 10-6d
2 23 10/28/1899 9/29/1906 Gettysburg 0-0
3 21 10/31/1970 9/14/1974 1414 Navy 7-6
4 18 10/26/1889 09/30/1899 Washington & Jefferson 0-0
5 17 10/7/1939 9/25/1943 1449 Colgate 0-0
6 16 9/3/2016 9/15/2018 742 Ohio State 27-26
7 15 9/25/1915 10/27/1917 763 Lehigh 9-0
15 10/21/1967 9/19/1970 1064 Syracuse 24-7
9 14 9/14/1985 9/5/1987 721 Alabama 24-13
14 9/22/1990 9/26/1992 735 Miami (FL) 17-14
Away
Rank Games First Win Last Win Days Opponent to End Streak Score
1 14 9/29/1967 11/29/1969 792 @ Colorado 41-13
2 12 10/7/1972 10/26/1974 749 @ North Carolina State 12-7
3 10 9/7/1985 9/26/1987 749 @ Syracuse 48-21
10 11/20/1993 10/21/1995 700 @ Northwestern 21-10
5 9 9/2/1977 10/28/1978 421 @ Nebraska 42-17
9 10/6/1979 10/17/1981 742 @ Miami (FL) 17-14
7 8 10/10/1970 11/20/1971 406 @ Tennessee 31-11
8 7 10/11/1947 11/6/1948 392 @ Pittsburgh 7-0
9 6 10/23/1982 10/15/1983 357 @ Boston College 27-17
6 10/26/1996 11/15/1997 385 @ Michigan State 49-14

Longest losing streaks

Longest bowl streak

All-Time
Rank Streak Years Record Head Coach Notes
1 13 Years 1971-1983 9-4 Joe Paterno 1982: Won 1st National Championship in Sugar Bowl vs Georgia 27-23
2 11 Years 1989-1999 8-3 Joe Paterno 1994: Won Big Ten Championship, Won Rose Bowl vs Oregon 38-20
3 7 Years 2005-2011 4-3 Joe Paterno/ Tom Bradley 2005: Won Big Ten Championship, Won Orange Bowl vs Florida State 26-23

2008: Won Big Ten Championship, Lost Rose Bowl vs USC 24-38

2011: Won Big Ten Leaders Division, Lost TicketCity Bowl vs Houston 14-30

Streak Ended with NCAA Sanctions

4 6 Years 2014-2019 3-3 James Franklin 2016 : Won Big Ten Championship, Lost Rose Bowl vs USC 49-52
5 4 Years 1959-1962 3-1 Charles A. "Rip" Engle
6 3 Years 1967-1969 2-0-1 Joe Paterno
3 Years 1985-1987 1-2 Joe Paterno 1986 : Won 2nd national Championship in Fiesta Bowl vs Miami (FL) 14-10

Longest bowl win streak

Rank Streak Years Head Coach Notes
1 5 Years 1979-1983 Joe Paterno 1982: Won 1st National Championship in Sugar Bowl vs Georgia 27-23
2 4 Years 1993-1996 Joe Paterno 1994: Won Big Ten Championship, Won Rose Bowl vs Oregon 38-20
3 3 Years 1959-1961 Charles A. "Rip" Engle
3 Years 2005-2007 Joe Paterno 2005: Won Big Ten Championship, Won Orange Bowl vs Florida State 26-23

Largest bowl win/ loss margin

Largest win margin

Rank Score Margin Bowl Game Opponent Season Year Coach
1 W 41–12 +29 Liberty Bowl Oregon Webfoots 1960 Rip Engle
W 43–14 +29 Outback Bowl Auburn Tigers 1995 Joe Paterno
3 W 42–17 +25 Fiesta Bowl Tennessee Volunteers 1991 Joe Paterno
4 W 30–6 +24 Cotton Bowl Classic Texas Longhorns 1971 Joe Paterno
W 24–0 +24 Alamo Bowl Texas A&M Aggies 1999 Joe Paterno
6 W 38–15 +23 Fiesta Bowl Texas Longhorns 1996 Joe Paterno
7 W 41–20 +21 Cotton Bowl Classic Baylor Bears 1974 Joe Paterno
8 W 31–13 +18 Florida Citrus Bowl Tennessee Volunteers 1993 Joe Paterno
W 38–20 +18 Rose Bowl Oregon Ducks 1994 Joe Paterno
10 W 26–10 +16 Fiesta Bowl USC Trojans 1981 Joe Paterno
11 W 30-15 +15 Gator Bowl Georgia Tech 1960 Rip Engle
12 W 53-39 +14 Cotton Bowl Classic Memphis Tigers 2019 James Franklin
13 W 31-19 +12 Fiesta Bowl Ohio State Buckeyes 1980 Joe Paterno
W 42-30 +12 Fiesta Bowl Arizona State Sun Devils 1977 Joe Paterno
14 W 50-39 +11 Holiday Bowl BYU Cougars 1989 Joe Paterno

Largest loss margin

Rank Score Margin Bowl Game Opponent Season Year Coach
1 L 35–10 -25 Florida Citrus Bowl Clemson Tigers 1987 Joe Paterno
2 L 24–3 -21 Blockbuster Bowl Stanford Cardinal 1992 Joe Paterno
3 L 30–14 -16 TicketCity Bowl Houston Cougars 2011 Tom Bradley
4 L 25-10 -15 Orange Bowl Oklahoma Sooners 1985 Joe Paterno
L 21-6 -15 Florida Citrus Bowl Florida Gators 1997 Joe Paterno
6 L14-0 -14 Sugar Bowl Oklahoma Sooners 1972 Joe Paterno
L 38-24 -14 Rose Bowl USC Trojans 2008 Joe Paterno
8 L 37-24 -13 Outback Bowl Florida Gators 2010 Joe Paterno
9 L 14-3 -11 Rose Bowl USC Trojans 1922 Hugo Bezdek
L 20-9 -11 Gator Bowl Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1976 Joe Paterno
11 L 27-24 -3 Florida Citrus Bowl Kentucky Wildcats 2018 James Franklin
L 52-49 -3 Rose Bowl USC Trojans 2016 James Franklin

References

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