Penn State tight ends took NFL by storm in Week 4

It doesn’t look like Penn State is going to have a very exciting season, so the fanbase will have to rely on the team’s NFL players to bring them some joy. The professional Nittany Lions had made a huge impact on their teams in the first couple weeks of the season before a quiet Week 3.

But they responded in a big way this week, with a handful of touchdowns and excellent performances from a familiar position. Penn State has commonly been referred to as “Tight End U,” and the pro tight ends proved exactly why.

Here are the program’s best NFL players and how they performed in Week 4.

Jacksonville Jaguars — Brenton Strange, Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) gets to his feet during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Brenton Strange Game Stats: 7 catches, 95 yards

Parker Washington Game Stats: 1 catch, 7 yards

Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren

Sep 13, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Game Stats: 5 catches, 41 yards

Cincinnati Bengals — Mike Gesicki

Mike Gesicki #88 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of the game at Paycor Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Game Stats: 3 catches, 40 yards, 1 touchdown

Pittsburgh Steelers — Pat Friermuth, Jaquan Brisker

Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) takes the field to play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pat Freiermuth Game Stats: 3 catches, 17 yards, 1 touchdown

Jaquan Brisker Game Stats: 7 tackles

New York Giants— Abdul Carter

Sep 27, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Malik Harrison (54) celebrates with linebacker Abdul Carter (3) after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Game Stats: 3 tackles

Philadelphia Eagles — Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Game Stats: 2 carries, 8 yards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Chris Godwin Jr.

Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (14) and running back Rachaad White (1) react after a first down against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Game Stats: 6 catches, 31 yards

San Francisco 49ers — Ji’Ayir Brown

Jan 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes the ball against San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'ayir Brown (27) during the second half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images