At Penn State, the standard for defensive backs is impossibly high. Joey Porter Jr. Kalen King. Ji’Ayir Brown.
Next on the list? Zion Tracy.
The sophomore from Long Island flashed brilliance in 2025, moving from a special teams ace to a starting nickel corner. In 2026, he moves from “promising talent” to “cornerstone defender.”
The “Star” Position Evolution
Defensive Coordinator Tyson Veidt has made it clear: he builds his defense from the inside out. In modern college football, the “Star” (Nickel) is the most difficult position to play. You must fit the run like a linebacker and cover slot receivers like a corner.
Tracy thrived here in 2025.
2025 Production:
- 32 Tackles (4th among DBs)
- 5.0 Tackles for Loss (Elite for a CB)
- 1.0 Sack
- 2 Pass Breakups
The Scouting Report: Elite Recovery Speed
Tracy’s differentiator is his raw tracking speed.
“Reviewing the Ohio State tape, there were two plays where Emeka Egbuka looked gone. Tracy ran him down from behind. That 10.5 track speed is real.” — Big Ten Network Analyst
Strengths:
- Recovery: Even if he bites on a double move, he has the makeup speed to get back in phase.
- Trigger: He recognizes screen passes instantly. His 5.0 TFLs were mostly blow-ups of perimeter screens.
- Versatility: He can play outside or in the slot.
2026 Outlook: CB1?
With the departure of A.J. Harris to the transfer portal (Indiana), the CB1 spot is wide open.
The Competition: Tracy will battle with Elliot Washington II and Audavion Collins for the top boundary spot.
Antigravity’s Projection: We project Tracy to remain at the Star position. Why? Because it’s more valuable. In the 12-team playoff era, teams need an elite athlete in the middle of the field to combat spread offenses. Moving Tracy outside would neutralize his ability to impact the run game.
2026 Stat Prediction:
- 55 Tackles
- 4 Interceptions
- 8.0 Tackles for Loss
- Result: Second-Team All-Big Ten
The Verdict
Zion Tracy is the breakout candidate of the year. He has the physical tools of a first-round pick and the production to back it up. If he takes the next step in his mental processing, he won’t just be a starter—he’ll be the best defender on the team.