Penn State linebacker Rojas anchoring Nittany Lion defense through losing streak
Rojas leads Penn State in tackles, sacks and interceptions while earning midseason All-American honors as the Nittany Lions try to end a four-game skid.
- Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas was named a Butkus Award semifinalist on Thursday, recognizing him among the nation's top defensive players.
- Fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season, Rojas has anchored the Nittany Lions' defense while spearheading practices with purpose and intent during a challenging stretch.
- Leading Penn State in major defensive categories with 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks, Rojas is the only active FBS player with 24 career tackles for loss and six interceptions.
- Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn said Rojas has played like one of the best linebackers in the country, though Lynn believes he has "another level" to reach. Head coach Matt Campbell noted Rojas refuses to rotate, wanting to play 60 snaps per game.
- Ahead of Saturday's matchup against Purdue, Rojas emphasized that team success remains his priority, saying "I just want to win out. I think winning is my biggest thing," over individual accolades.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Penn State's Tony Rojas Named Butkus Award Semifinalist
Penn State football’s Tony Rojas was named a semifinalist on Thursday for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker. The star Nittany Lion has already been named an AP Midseason All-America second team member and was highlighted on the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist on Wednesday. Tony → Butkus Award Semifinalist pic.twitter.com/FQSik44J1x […]
Amid Tumult, Injury and Defeat at Penn State, Tony Rojas Continues to Tackle It All
Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas, a midseason All-American, is the shining star of a defense — and a program — in flux as it struggles with being in the midst of a four-game losing streak wrapped around a roster and staff that have been totally rebuilt. Rojas is a bit rebuilt himself. He started all 16 games in Penn State’s 13-3 2024 campaign despite an injured shoulder that required offseason surgery. Then, just four games into the 2025 season,…
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