Despite being widely regarded as “Linebacker U” for a rich tradition on defense, Penn State had an obvious lack of depth at the position over the past two seasons.
It was never more apparent than when Tony Rojas sustained a season-ending injury early in 2025. The Nittany Lions had no way to fill the production hole he left, and the defense suffered.
But one young name started to shine as the season went on and interim coach Terry Smith emphasized opening opportunities for underclassmen.
Freshman Alex Tatsch played in six games to burn his redshirt, recording 14 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup. He saw at least 16 defensive snaps in five games, four of which came after James Franklin was fired.
Tatsch decided to return to Penn State under Matt Campbell and his new staff, and while offering a brief review of his roster, Campbell made a bold claim about Tatsch’s potential.
“I think Tatsch has a chance to be one of the great linebackers of all time here,” Campbell said. “I love his video. I love what he’s about.”
Tatsch has one of the greats — maybe the great — helping develop his position group. The program’s all-time leading tackler, Dan Connor, has also returned to assist linebackers coach Tyson Veidt after one year as the full-time position leader.
Campbell made clear just how big a fan he is of Connor. He explained it took “two seconds” in an interview to know Connor understood what it took to coach at Penn State.
“I’d go to fight with that guy (Tatsch) right now today,” the head coach continued. “I’d like Dan Connor and him to lead the team out at times.”
Tatsch’s lone pass breakup was just a glimpse of what he can do moving forward, a signature moment in his debut season. He made a key fourth-quarter, third-down deflection against eventual national champion Indiana, keeping the Nittany Lions in range for a massive upset win.
At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, Tatsch has all the physical makings of a big-time linebacker. That’s exactly one of the first things Veidt noted about the Latrobe native.
Veidt also mentioned the importance of Tatsch’s in-state roots and his rapid development to see the field in Year 1.
“I think that’s super impressive,” Veidt said. “And you hope, (considering) the progress he made in a short period of time with these remaining years, that the sky’s the limit.”
Tatsch may not have to be the lead guy in 2026. He has a deep position group ahead of him, including four transfers from Campbell’s former Iowa State team. Three of them carry senior experience. The uber-talented Rojas is also back after his injury.
However, this staff is clearly excited about one of its key pieces.