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LB Rojas among PSU football players to watch for in 2026

By JARROD PRUGAR 1 min read
Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas (13) tackles Nevada running back Herschel Turner (2) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

The following is a preseason series on Penn State's position groups and a key player to watch from each.

POSITION: Linebacker

Player to watch: Tony Rojas (No. 13)

Class: Redshirt junior

Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 236 pounds

Career to this point: Started in four games in 2025 as a true sophomore before a season-ending knee injury occurred against Oregon.

Quotable: "He's extremely athletic. He moves very, very well. Good change of direction, burst. When we're doing drills out there, he looks about as good as you can look so it's been good to see him get back to playing shape and playing form. Now, just looking forward to seeing him put the pads on."

-- Defensive Coordinator D'Anton Lynn

FYI: Rojas has started 20 games at linebacker for Penn State.

Others in the mix: Alex Tatsch (No. 25) is expected to see the field extensively when he returns from injury. Caleb Bacon (No. 10), Cam Smith (No. 26) and Cael Brezina (No. 9) are expected to see starter's reps alongside Rojas. Freshman Josh Banks, a walk-on from Hollidaysburg, is listed at LB. He's No. 45.

-- By Jarrod Prugar

Starting at /week.