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
3 months ago
