Penn State · Big TenPenn State's Comeback Watch Centers on Three Potential Defensive Starters
Penn State has three defensive players on the Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list, plus an offensive player drawing attention. Tony Rojas is the clearest health story after his 2025 ACL tear and could return as the defense's most versatile linebacker.
AUG 23, 2026
01 · The NewsWhat Happened
Penn State has three players on the Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list, and all three are potential defensive starters and all-conference players. A fourth Nittany Lion on offense also merits attention. Linebacker Tony Rojas is the most detailed case in the group. He tore his ACL three days after Penn State's double-overtime loss to Oregon in 2025, after playing through pain against the Ducks. Ten months after surgery, Rojas is running well. Matt Campbell and defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn view him as a player who can blitz, cover and set the edge. Rojas said he feels stronger and faster than before the injury.