Daequan Hardy has revealed his plans for the 2024 season and beyond.

The defensive back played 4 seasons for the Penn State Nittany Lions and had the option to return for a 5th season. Instead, Hardy announced on social media that he will instead enter the 2024 NFL Draft after playing in the Peach Bowl.

Hardy posted a heartfelt message to the Nittany Lion fanbase announcing the decision. The DB thanked God, his family and friends, teammates, and the coaching staff.

“With that being said, after a lot of thought & prayers, I will be forgoing my remaining year of eligibility and declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I am excited to take the field one last time with my brothers in the Peach Bowl.”

Typically when players declare for the draft, they decide to skip any upcoming bowl game. However, Hardy joins teammates Theo Johnson, Curtis Jacobs, and Caedan Wallace in declaring for the draft but still playing in the Nittany Lions’ bowl game.

Hardy was a major part of the Nittany Lions finishing with the No. 3 passing defense in the nation in 2023. Hardy collected 53 tackles, 17 pass defenses, and 5 interceptions during his career in Happy Valley. The DB also returned 2 punts for touchdowns in 2023.