6 days ago
Tony Rojas and former Cyclone Caleb Bacon are set to lead the way at linebacker for Penn State in 2026. But who might be ready to take the leap and develop into an impact player this fall?
Alex Tatsch (So.)
Tatsch was the immediate name to come to mind as a likely breakout player. He earned meaningful playing time as a true freshman, and impressed despite his lack of experience. The rising sophomore seemed to improve each with each game as he became more noticeable and found his way to the football more and more often. Tatsch contributed 14 tackles, one TFL, and a pass defended in 2025, and those numbers should greatly increase this fall.
Tatsch should also benefit from playing under D'Anton Lynn, who has done an impressive job of developing linebackers at UCLA and USC. While he may not be a week one starter with so many veteran linebackers coming from Iowa State, don't be surprised if he snags a starting spot at some point in the season – and a very productive one at that.
Cam Smith (RS Fr.)
#tatsch #linebackers #rojas #cyclone
Alex Tatsch (So.)
Tatsch was the immediate name to come to mind as a likely breakout player. He earned meaningful playing time as a true freshman, and impressed despite his lack of experience. The rising sophomore seemed to improve each with each game as he became more noticeable and found his way to the football more and more often. Tatsch contributed 14 tackles, one TFL, and a pass defended in 2025, and those numbers should greatly increase this fall.
Tatsch should also benefit from playing under D'Anton Lynn, who has done an impressive job of developing linebackers at UCLA and USC. While he may not be a week one starter with so many veteran linebackers coming from Iowa State, don't be surprised if he snags a starting spot at some point in the season – and a very productive one at that.
Cam Smith (RS Fr.)
#tatsch #linebackers #rojas #cyclone
2 months ago
This last weekend was integral for the culture building and most importantly, roster building for the Penn State Nittany Lions. While Matt Campbell hosted most of the verbal commits in the class, it was the six who came who were undecided that he wanted to reach. Most of all, former commit Khalil Taylor, the four star wide receiver, is the apple of Penn State's eye and a guy they really want to get on board. However, a player who may have gotten lost amongst the names, a fours star linebacker who could look to elevate the Nittany Lions back to "LBU" status.
Case Alexander could be the next in a long line of Campbell-coached linebackers who see their stock rise throughout their careers. When looking at Penn State's current roster, you'll be hard pressed to fina a weak link that Campbell hasn't molded into one of the defensive unit's most pivotal players. Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina are the leaders of what could be Penn State's best unit along with Tony Rojas returning from injury and sophomore riser Alex Tatsch.
What would make Campbell's recruitment of Alexander special is that should he commit, he would be Campbell's guy and Campbell's guy alone. The roots of Penn State's linebacking corps are still heavily linked with the James Franklin era ad both Ebel and Brezina are completed Campbell projects who he now entrusts in his new home. Alexander is another entity entirely, a four star recruit who could be Campbell's future prospects distilled into one player.
For LBU to continue, Case Alexander has to sign on to the project.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State targets Case Alexander for LBU revival
Case Alexander could be the next in a long line of Campbell-coached linebackers who see their stock rise throughout their careers. When looking at Penn State's current roster, you'll be hard pressed to fina a weak link that Campbell hasn't molded into one of the defensive unit's most pivotal players. Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina are the leaders of what could be Penn State's best unit along with Tony Rojas returning from injury and sophomore riser Alex Tatsch.
What would make Campbell's recruitment of Alexander special is that should he commit, he would be Campbell's guy and Campbell's guy alone. The roots of Penn State's linebacking corps are still heavily linked with the James Franklin era ad both Ebel and Brezina are completed Campbell projects who he now entrusts in his new home. Alexander is another entity entirely, a four star recruit who could be Campbell's future prospects distilled into one player.
For LBU to continue, Case Alexander has to sign on to the project.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State targets Case Alexander for LBU revival
