KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football linebacker A.J. Pena was invited to the Baltimore Ravens mini camp, Pena confirmed on Saturday night. 

The Montclair, N.J. native completed the 2025 season with 89 tackles. He recorded team-bests in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (11).  Pena's 11 sacks are tied for eighth most in a single season in program history, and his 21 tackles for loss are tied for third best in program history.

With 38 career sacks and 65.5 career tackles for loss, Pena is the program record holder in both statistics. He was named 2025 CAA Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-American honors in 2025 from four different publications.  

Pena had drawn plenty of professional interest as his historic 2025 season unfolded. He had recently competed in the inaugural FCS-NFL Showcase in Nashville, Tenn. in January. The event was organized by the NCAA, the American Football Coaches Association and the National Football League and provided an evaluation platform for 50 FCS prospects who were eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pena is the first Ram in 2026 to get an NFL mini camp invitation. Three members of the Rhode Island Football program received mini camp invites last season including Donato Crisanti (Steelers, Jets), Braden Price (Dophins), and Tommy Smith (Steelers).