Linebacker Tony Rojas will return to Penn State football

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Penn State football gets one of its defensive cornerstones back for the Matt Campbell era as linebacker Tony Rojas will return for his senior year in Happy Valley.

The Virginia native suffered a season-ending injury after the game against Oregon, but instead of entering the transfer portal or trying his luck in the NFL Draft, Rojas will finish his career in State College.

In four games in 2025, Rojas recorded 25 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. It’s worth noting that four games is the limit a college football player can play before burning a redshirt, so there is the possibility Rojas could get the year back if he applies and gets approved for a medical redshirt.

When Rojas went down, Penn State suffered greatly at the linebacker position; Amare Campbell stepped up to lead the team wieth 103 tackles, but it was very thin and inexperienced behind him.

The Nittany Lion defense, which will be led by former USC assistant and Penn State alum D’Anton Lynn, will surely go through more changes before the season opener in 2026. But it will be beneficial to have a veteran to anchor the middle of the field, especially if Campbell decides to return as well.

Matt Campbell has retained several key pieces to build for the future in his early Penn State tenure. Promising wide receiver Koby Howard will also return to Happy Valley, as will tight end Andrew Rappleyea.

It’s a huge blow that quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has entered the portal, likely ending his tenure in State Colle after a storybook ending, but the program is in relatively positive shape considering the circumstances.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Linebacker Tony Rojas will return to Penn State football

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos