Penn State Linebacker Tony Rojas Named Midseason All-American
The junior standout leads the Nittany Lions in tackles despite the team's struggling 3-4 start to the 2026 season.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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On3 named Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas a Midseason All-American following his dominant defensive performances this year. The junior leads the Nittany Lions with 56 tackles while anchoring a defense tasked with holding opponents.
Why it matters
Rojas has returned to elite form after missing the majority of the 2025 season due to a serious knee injury. His performance serves as the primary defensive bright spot during an otherwise difficult 3-4 campaign for Penn State.
Rojas has recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions to go along with his team-leading 56 tackles. These figures represent his production level as a fourth-year junior following a year of intense rehabilitation.
The players
Tony Rojas
He is a fourth-year junior linebacker for Penn State and a native of Fairfax, Virginia.
On3
This is a digital media platform that provides college sports news and recruiting analysis.
Penn State
This public research university in State College, Pennsylvania, competes in Big Ten Conference athletics.
The details
Rojas successfully completed a rigorous rehabilitation process throughout the off-season, spring, and fall to overcome a knee injury. He continues to refine his game through consistent film study and intensive preparation drills.
Timeline
Tony Rojas missed the majority of the 2025 season after sustaining a knee injury.
Rojas participated in developmental drills during June 2026.
On October 20, 2026, On3 named Rojas a Midseason All-American.
Season Trajectory
The success of Rojas provides a critical individual anchor for Penn State as they attempt to stabilize their defense during a difficult 3-4 season. His recognition reflects a high level of individual achievement that stands in stark contrast to the team's current playoff position.
Rojas currently leads the team with 56 tackles, making him a high-value asset for fantasy rosters and defensive metrics enthusiasts. His consistency is a key factor for the Nittany Lions as they adjust their defensive strategy for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
The return of Rojas highlights the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for collegiate athletes dealing with ligament injuries. His trajectory shows that focused training during the off-season can lead to immediate recognition even amidst team-wide adversity.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the State College Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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