UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In college football’s free agency era, keeping your own stars is often harder than signing new ones.
This week, Penn State received massive news for its 2026 defensive outlook: Linebacker Tony Rojas and Cornerback Daryus Dixson are staying.
Tony Rojas: The MIKE Linebacker Solution
With Kobe King departing, the middle of the defense was vulnerable.
- Depth Chart Crisis Averted: Had Rojas left, Penn State would have been forced to start unproven redshirt freshmen or rely solely on transfers at the MIKE position.
- 2026 Projection: Rojas now anchors the defense. His return allows DC D’Anton Lynn to run his complex catalog of blitzes immediately, as Rojas is already seasoned in reading Big Ten offenses. He remains the undisputed LB1.
Daryus Dixson: Locking Down the Boundary
True freshman cornerbacks rarely excel in the Big Ten. Daryus Dixson was an exception in 2025.
- The “Island” Role: Dixson’s return secures the CB1 spot. This is critical because it allows the coaching staff to move Zakee Wheatley and Marcus Neal Jr. around in the secondary, knowing one side of the field is locked down.
- Mentor Role: With incoming freshman DBs arriving, Dixson shifts from “rookie phenom” to “veteran mentor,” satisfying a crucial leadership void left by departing seniors.
Conclusion
Transfers fill gaps. Retention builds championships. By keeping Rojas and Dixson, Matt Campbell has ensured that the “spine” of his first Penn State defense remains accessible and experienced.