Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas announces return for 2026 season
One of Penn State’s best defensive players will return for 2026.
Linebacker Tony Rojas announced he’d be back with a post on social media Thursday evening.
Rojas missed most of the 2025 season after suffering a season-ending injury in the lead up to the team’s matchup against UCLA, and his absence was part of why the defense fell apart the rest of the way. He’s an elite athlete who helped keep the unit together by cleaning up plays at the second level. Without him, the defense saw a steep drop off and gave up 42 points to the Bruins in a loss that led to former head coach James Franklin getting fired.
The linebacker’s decision to return is a big win for new head coach Matt Campbell, after there were plenty of rumors that Rojas would depart for the transfer portal following the season. Instead, he will be a key piece to the Penn State defense once he returns from injury.
“I’m ready to finish what me and my teammates started and am ready to flip this thing and tell an incredible story with Coach Campbell and his new staff,” Rojas’ post read. “I have 100% belief in what Coach Campbell will do here at Penn State and it’s only right for me to stay and help lead the way to bring this place to where it is meant to be.”
Rojas will play under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who agreed to become the program’s new defensive coordinator in late December.
This story was originally published January 1, 2026 at 6:39 PM.
