Penn State’s defensive superstar Abdul Carter decided to bring the force with him to turn the Orange Bowl into his own personal galaxy far, far away. Suiting up for the Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, Carter didn’t just bring his game—he brought his Dark Side energy. With his left shoulder wrapped and his arm in a protective sleeve, he looked like a battle-hardened Jedi… or maybe a Sith Lord.

The real buzz came when the cameras noticed his eye black, which bore the words “Darth Vader.” That’s right—Carter channeled the galaxy’s most iconic villain to intimidate both the Fighting Irish and anyone brave enough to block him. ESPN’s SportsCenter lit up X with the reveal, “Abdul Carter has “Darth Vader” on his eye black 😮‍💨.”

Carter’s decision to embrace the Vader persona wasn’t just a spur of the moment gimmick. Earlier in the week, he shared a clip from Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, featuring Darth Vader in a “bacta tank,” healing from his injuries. The parallel was clear: Carter, nursing a shoulder injury from Penn State’s victory over Boise State in the CFP quarterfinals, was drawing strength from his own recovery.

Like Vader, when Abdul Carter is at full strength, the force is with James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, indeed. With 63 tackles and 11 sacks on the season, he’s been a force of nature, terrorizing offensive lines much like Vader terrorized the Rebel Alliance. His 11 sacks place him seventh nationally, making him one of the most dominant defenders of the 2024 season.

The numbers back up the hype. Carter’s versatility as a pass-rusher and run-stopper makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents. Notre Dame’s offensive line, known for its discipline, struggled to contain him throughout the game. Carter’s impact was felt early and often, as he disrupted backfield plays and applied relentless pressure on the Irish quarterback.

Drew Rosenhaus, Carter’s NIL representative, summed it up best during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “He’s a warrior, plain and simple. There’s no quit in this guy, and the NFL is already drooling over his work ethic.” With the draft approaching, moments like these could elevate Carter’s stock even further.

The council lights up the Galaxy

The CFB world didn’t just notice Abdul Carter—they embraced him. Under SportsCenter’s post, ‘the council’ lit up the platform with reactions as sharp as a lightsaber.

One user quipped, “Abdul Carter writing “Darth Vader” on his eyeblack actively raises his draft stock, I don’t make the rules 🤷‍♂️️.” While it’s said in jest, there’s a kernel of truth. The NFL loves players who can market themselves, and Carter’s Vader moment shows he’s got star power to match his stats.

Another fan joked, “He looks pretty intimidating…gulp,” alongside a GIF of Vader activating his lightsaber. It’s hard to argue—the 6’3″ and #11 Penn State junior’s imposing build and aggressive play style make him a terrifying presence on the field.

The praise didn’t stop there. One comment declared, “Channeling some serious Dark Side energy,” while another simply stated, “Playing like it too.” Fans recognize that Carter didn’t just talk the talk—he delivered on the field, embodying the ruthless efficiency that defines a true Sith Lord.

Carter’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year resume is already glowing, but this move? It adds a whole new level of mystique. If this is the Dark Side, Penn State fans are all in because Abdul Carter is leading the charge like a true Sith enforcer.