Nolan Rucci is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father, Todd Rucci, a former Penn State offensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL.
The younger Rucci’s journey didn’t begin with the Nittany Lions. The former five-star recruit committed to Wisconsin, where his older brother Hayden Rucci played — but saw minimal action through three seasons. Rucci started just one game, a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU, but it was enough to earn an offer from Penn State when he entered the transfer portal.
Standing at 6-foot-8, it’s easy to see why Rucci was the No. 1 Pennsylvania recruit in his class, though he struggled adding mass with the Badgers, listed below 300 pounds. After two seasons in Happy Valley, Rucci reached 314, though there’s likely still growth to be made.
When Anthony Donkoh was injured midway through the 2024 campaign, Rucci took over at right tackle and impressed, helping the team to a 13-3 overall record including a pair of College Football Playoff wins.
Though he seemingly regressed in 2025, Rucci continued to show strong run blocking skills and moderate pass protection ability, improving throughout the year. His size and ceiling make him an intriguing prospect with potential.
According to Rucci, “multiple teams” have reached out about visits, and the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints have expressed interest.
“I’m great in the classroom, great on the board, can get up there and draw all of the offense and defense, give you fronts and coverages and just know that I’m a good ball guy on top of being a good football player,” Rucci said at Penn State’s Pro Day. “And that’s important for the offensive line, and that’s something that our O-line coach, coach Trautwein, definitely prepared us for.”
Pro Day results:
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 314 pounds
Vertical jump: 30 inches
Broad jump: 9-foot-0
40-yard dash: 5.44 seconds
Pro shuttle: 4.87 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.89 seconds
Draft projection: Signed as undrafted free agent
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