Saturday’s Big Ten Championship game between Penn State and Oregon had its share of highlights, but one moment involving Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King stood out for an entirely different reason—earning him unexpected internet fame.
In the first quarter of the game, No. 41 for Penn State was caught on camera vomiting on the field moments before an Oregon offensive snap. The unfortunate incident unfolded with King visibly struggling just before the Ducks lined up for a critical play.
King, a redshirt junior and one of Penn State’s defensive anchors, has been a force all season. He’s racked up 62 combined tackles, ranking second on the team, and added 3.0 sacks to his stat sheet.
However, Saturday’s high-stakes matchup might have put even a seasoned player like King on edge. The early timing of the episode suggests pregame nerves or some other factor at play.
RELATED: Deion Sanders’ Son Criticizes College Football Mascot for ‘Weird’ Behavior
Despite the mishap, King returned to the game and continued to contribute, embodying the grit and determination that has defined Penn State’s season.
However, the Ducks capitalized immediately after the incident, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel connecting on a two-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon Sadiq. Oregon’s quick score showed they were unfazed by the brief interruption.
While King’s misstep was an unwelcome distraction, it wasn’t nearly as disruptive as other infamous incidents in football history—thankfully, the football itself remained untouched. Fans and commentators alike took the moment in stride, with many praising King’s resilience for continuing to battle through the game.
Penn State ultimately fell short against Oregon, but King’s performance this season cements his role as a key figure in the Nittany Lions’ defense.
As for his viral moment, it’s sure to join the lore of unpredictable and memorable sports moments that make college football so unique.
