UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State alumnus and retired NFL player John Urschel will be the Homecoming 2017 grand marshal.

Former Penn State football player Urschel is a retired Baltimore Ravens football player and is currently pursuing his doctorate in mathematics at MIT. He began his academic journey completing his B.S. in mathematics, with a minor in statistics, at Penn State in 2012, finishing with a 4.0 GPA. He then obtained his master's degree in mathematics from Penn State in 2013. 

“Penn State was a place where I not only found my love of mathematics but grew into the man I am today. If it wasn't for Penn State, I don't know where I would be today,” said Urschel.

Not only did John Urschel excel in his own classes, but during his time as a student Urschel also taught several mathematics courses at the university and published a number of peer-reviewed articles, all while playing on the Nittany Lions’ offensive line.

Urschel served as a student marshal during the 2012 graduation ceremony. During this same ceremony, Urschel was honored as the recipient of the 2013 William J. Campbell trophy, which many refer to as the “academic Heisman.” As the country’s top amateur athlete, he was also the recipient of the 2014 James E. Sullivan award, among other numerous accolades and honors. 

Each year the Homecoming Executive Committee selects a grand marshal to represent Penn State Homecoming and the surrounding community. This individual is someone who positively impacted Penn State during his or her time at the University and has carried that spirit with them beyond graduation. The grand marshal is someone who has made notable achievements within their field of study and career path and continues to represent the missions of Penn State Homecoming and the Penn State in a positive light.