PSU's Abdul Carter Posts Darth Vader Meme amid Injury Rehab Ahead of CFP Semifinal

Penn State star Abdul Carter isn't ruling himself out the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.

The junior defensive end shared a photo of Darth Vader from Star Wars sitting in the tank that aided his recuperative powers:

Carter exited the Nittany Lions' 31-14 win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl with an undisclosed injury.

After the game, head coach James Franklin was unable to provide any insight about the injury or whether it would impact Carter's status for the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

"We'll get that checked out and see," the coach said. "Obviously, No. 1, the safety and health and welfare of our guys is priority number one.

"But then, I know Abdul will want to play next week and will do everything in his power next week if he's able to. We'll find out. I don't know a whole lot more information than that."

Carter was a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in sacks (11). He's the No. 10 overall player and top edge-rusher in Bleacher Report's big board for the 2025 NFL draft.

Needless to say, there would be a massive void along Penn State's front seven if the 6'3, 252-pound defender is ruled out for the semifinals and beyond.

The Nittany Lions are awaiting the winner of Thursday's Sugar Bowl between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 2 Georgia.