The departure of Abdul Carter to the NFL as the third overall pick left a significant void in Penn State's defense. The 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American recorded 68 tackles, 12 sacks, and 23.5 tackles for loss in his final season, production that cannot be easily replaced.
New Leaders Emerge
Through the first four games of the 2025 season, new defensive leaders have emerged to fill the void. Linebacker Amare Campbell leads the team with 22 total tackles, providing steady production from the second level. His ability to diagnose plays and make tackles in space has been crucial for defensive success.
Tony Rojas has been equally productive, recording 18 tackles while sharing the team lead with 2.0 sacks. His versatility as both a pass rusher and run defender makes him an invaluable piece of defensive coordinator Tom Allen's scheme.
Defensive Line Depth
Dani Dennis-Sutton's decision to return for his senior season proved crucial for maintaining defensive line depth. The Maryland native shares the team sack lead with 2.0 through four games, providing veteran leadership and consistent production.
Dennis-Sutton's 2024 performance—8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss—demonstrated his ability to be a featured pass rusher. In 2025, with Carter gone, Dennis-Sutton has stepped into the primary edge rusher role and responded with solid early-season production.
Chaz Coleman and King Mack provide additional depth, each recording 1.0 sack and contributing to the defensive line rotation. This depth allows Penn State to maintain fresh legs throughout games and deploy different looks against opposing offenses.
Secondary Adjustments
The loss of Jaylen Reed—who led Penn State with 98 tackles in 2024 and was drafted by the Houston Texans—created another void in the secondary. Reed's versatility, lining up at free safety, in the box, and in the slot, made him uniquely valuable.
Through four games, four different defensive backs have recorded interceptions: Jahmiri Joseph, Alonzo Ford Jr., Zane Durant, and Elliot Washington II. This ball distribution suggests improved depth in the secondary, though none have yet emerged as a consistent playmaker.
The secondary's performance against Oregon raised concerns. The Ducks held the ball for more than 33 minutes and moved the ball effectively through the air and on the ground. While the defense ultimately kept Penn State in the game, allowing 24 points through regulation, the inability to get off the field on third downs proved costly.
Tom Allen's System
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen brought his aggressive, attacking philosophy to Penn State. His defenses prioritize pressure on the quarterback, disrupting timing and forcing turnovers. The system requires athletic linebackers who can cover ground and defensive backs willing to play man coverage.
Early returns on Allen's system have been positive. The season-opening shutout of Nevada and solid performances against non-conference opponents demonstrated the defense's potential. However, the Oregon game exposed areas requiring refinement, particularly in coverage consistency and finishing tackles.
Statistical Performance
Through four games, Penn State's defense has shown flashes of excellence mixed with occasional lapses. The unit has recorded four interceptions from four different players, suggesting good ball awareness and opportunistic play. However, the inability to consistently generate sacks—only five total through four games—raises concerns about pass rush effectiveness.
The defensive line has recorded modest pressure numbers, with Rojas and Dennis-Sutton each at 2.0 sacks, Campbell and Coleman each at 1.0. While respectable, these numbers pale in comparison to Carter's 12-sack performance in 2024.
Run Defense
Stopping the run remains a strength of Penn State's defense. The physical defensive line and aggressive linebacker play have generally contained opposing ground games. Against Oregon, however, the Ducks rushed for significant yardage, suggesting that elite offensive lines can create running lanes.
The ability to defend the run will be tested repeatedly in Big Ten play. Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and other conference opponents feature powerful rushing attacks that require disciplined gap integrity and physical play at the point of attack.
Third Down Defense
Third down conversion defense proved problematic against Oregon, where the Ducks sustained drives through conversions on crucial downs. This area requires significant improvement as the schedule intensifies. Elite teams get off the field on third downs, forcing punts and creating short fields for their offense.
Improving third down defense requires a combination of pressure, coverage, and situational awareness. Penn State's defense possesses the talent to excel in these situations, but execution must improve against quality opponents.
Looking Ahead
The remaining schedule presents significant challenges for Penn State's defense. Big Ten offenses feature talented quarterbacks, powerful running games, and creative play-calling that will test every aspect of the defense.
The good news is that the defense has shown it can rise to challenges. The fourth quarter against Oregon demonstrated the unit's ability to make crucial stops when needed. However, consistency over four quarters against elite competition remains the goal.
The Tom Allen Factor
Allen's track record as a defensive coordinator suggests that improvement will come as the season progresses. His defenses typically get better as players become more comfortable with schemes and adjustments. The depth Penn State possesses should allow for continued development without sacrificing performance.
Championship Defense?
The question facing Penn State's 2025 defense is whether it can be good enough to support a championship run. The offense features elite talent at quarterback and running back, providing a foundation for success. The defense must complement this by limiting points, creating turnovers, and excelling in crucial situations.
Through four games, the defense has shown it possesses the talent and coaching to be elite. However, the Oregon loss exposed areas requiring improvement. How the defense responds to this adversity and adjusts throughout the season will determine whether Penn State can achieve its championship aspirations.
The post-Carter era has begun, and new stars are emerging. Whether they can collectively replace the production of a generational talent like Carter remains the season's most important defensive question.