Penn State’s top pass rusher, Chop Robinson, declared for the 2024 NFL draft on Tuesday, announcing his intention to forego the team’s upcoming Peach Bowl matchup against Ole Miss.
Seemingly, no one was happier to hear that news than Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin, infamous for his trolling nature on X, formerly known as Twitter, joked with the media, telling reporters that he hoped Nittany Lions coach James Franklin was going to announce plenty of player opt-outs.
Kiffin took to X on Tuesday and immediately offered Robinson congratulations in a classy gesture.
Best of luck!! Congrats on a great career!! https://t.co/8zIPPjapta
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) December 5, 2023
On the surface, it reads like the Ole Miss coach offering simple congratulations to one of the best players on the Penn State roster. But few things are ever that simple with Kiffin, whose message to Robinson amused college football fans greatly.
Probably one of the happiest people for Chop's decision
— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) December 5, 2023
😂 good natured stuff like this I like
— Bobby Silver (@BobbySilver_) December 5, 2023
Lane is the best 😂
— Joey (@jschmidt139) December 5, 2023
Breathing a little easier huh Lane? Lol
— WeAreAthletics🦁 (@WeAreRecruit) December 5, 2023
Kiffin likely is breathing a little easier, as this fan suggested, given that Robinson was one of the best pass rushers for the Penn State defense this year, tallying four sacks and two forced fumbles in 2023 after recording 5.5 sacks a season ago. He’s regarded as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the draft.
Robinson will undoubtedly be missed in the Peach Bowl, but not by Kiffin.
