Headed to Penn State University in 2025-26 are two highly rated draft prospects. The first is 2025 prospect Jackson Smith (13th ranked NA skater per central scouting) of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans. The left-shot D-man totaled 54 points (11G 43A) in 63 games in 2024-25. Some additional perspective is as follows: per thescore.com, Smith is the 2nd ranked D-man in this year’s draft; per TSN’s Craig Button, Smith will be the third D-man picked this year.
The second prospective Nittany Lion is 2026 prospect Pierce Mbuyi of Owen Sound in the OHL. The left-winger had 52 points (29G 23A) in 63 games in 2024-25 for the Attack, and was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Year. Mbuyi is projected to be the 26th player chosen in next year’s draft.