By Adeniyi Precious 
King Mack is back, and Penn State couldn’t be happier! After a year honing his skills in Tuscaloosa, the safety is rejoining the Nittany Lions with fresh energy and valuable experience just in time for the 2025 season. His return is a huge win for Penn State’s defense, which is eager to keep the momentum rolling from last year. Let’s take a closer look at Mack’s journey.
As a true freshman in 2023, Mack didn’t see much action in Penn State’s deep safety room. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he mainly contributed on special teams, racking up three tackles that season. After participating in the 2024 spring game, Mack decided to explore new opportunities and entered the transfer portal.
Enter Alabama. Drawn by the SEC’s fierce competition, Mack spent the 2024 season with the Crimson Tide, appearing in 12 games and recording 14 tackles. Now, with two years of eligibility left, Mack is returning to Penn State, bringing leadership, depth, and the kind of experience that could make him a key player in the Nittany Lions’ defensive plans.
A product of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Mack came to college football with an impressive résumé. A four-star recruit and the No. 6 safety in the 2023 class, Mack was also a three-time state champ with a knack for winning. Scouts raved about his speed, instincts, ball skills, and leadership—even if he’s not the biggest guy on the field.
Mack’s return to Happy Valley is more than just a reunion—it’s a chance for him to prove he’s ready to lead this defense to new heights. After a year of growth in the SEC’s pressure cooker, he’s bringing those lessons back to Penn State with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. The 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Nittany Lions, and with King Mack back in the mix, fans have plenty to be hyped about!