In the Big Ten, you can’t win without 300-pounders. Penn State learned that the hard way in 2025, struggling to stop the run against power teams like Michigan and Iowa.
Enter Dallas Vakalahi (pronounced vah-kah-LAH-hee). The transfer from the University of Utah brings exactly what the doctor ordered: Mass.
The Background: Mission Maturity
Vakalahi isn’t a typical sophomore.
- Age: 24 years old.
- Mission: Served a two-year church mission before enrolling at Utah.
- Maturity: He brings a “grown man” strength to the weight room that younger players can’t match.
Skillset: The Run Stuffer
Vakalahi is a classic 1-Technique or Nose Tackle.
- Role: Eaten consecutive double teams.
- Impact: He doesn’t fill the stat sheet. His job is to keep the linebackers (Tony Rojas) clean so they can make the tackle.
2026 Outlook
- Rotation: He will likely split snaps with veteran Coziah Izzard.
- Situational Value: On 3rd-and-1 or Goal Line stands, Vakalahi will be on the field.
Antigravity’s Verdict: This isn’t a flashy signing. Vakalahi might only have 15 tackles all year. But if Penn State’s run defense improves from 8th in the Big Ten to Top 3, look at No. 95 in the middle. He is the anchor that allows the athletes around him to fly.