Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington declares for 2023 NFL Draft

Penn State’s leading receiver won’t be back next season.

Parker Washington announced Friday afternoon that he will enter the 2023 NFL Draft. The wide receiver leaves with two years of eligibility remaining.

“The memories I have made during my time so far with this Penn State family has been and always will be unforgettable,” Washington’s statement read. “... Thank you to my family and coaches for the discussions, for helping me choose the next path in my journey.”

Washington led the Nittany Lions with 46 receptions and 611 yards despite missing the team’s last two games with an injury that ended his season early. He also added two touchdowns, one of which came in his 11-catch, 179-yard performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He had some of his best performances against the Buckeyes, tallying 24 catches for 360 yards in his three matchups against them.

Washington leaves the program with 146 receptions, 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns in 31 games that came across three seasons. His reception total ranks ninth all-time in program history.

The Nittany Lions will now have to replace their top two receivers with Washington’s departure and Mitch Tinsley exhausting his eligibility.

They have internal options, with KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III each earning over 200 receiving yards this season, but could go to the transfer portal to replace the lost production — with in-region talents like Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas (from Pittsburgh) and Oregon wide receiver Dont’e Thornton (from Baltimore) as options.