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 seek to stop a four-game skid.
- Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas was named a Butkus Award semifinalist on Thursday, earning recognition as one of the nation's top defensive players.
- Coming off a 2025 season-ending knee injury, Rojas has reestablished himself as the Nittany Lions' top defender, recording 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
- The redshirt junior is the only FBS player this season with 10.5 or more tackles for loss and two or more interceptions; he was also named to the Chuck Bednalik Award watch list on Wednesday.
- Head coach Matt Campbell praised Rojas's elite consistency and competitiveness, noting the linebacker often refuses to leave the field and frequently plays 60 snaps per game.
- Despite the Nittany Lions' 0-4 Big Ten start, Rojas dismissed individual accolades, stating, "I just want to win out," as Penn State prepares for Purdue on Saturday.
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,…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
