Penn State had to go through spring practice without linebacker Tony Rojas, one of the top players on the Nittany Lions’ defense. Rojas battled a shoulder injury throughout the 2024 season and was sidelined this spring as a precaution.
After returning to practice this fall, the young linebacker has provided an update on his health ahead of Penn State’s Week 1 opener against the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Tony Rojas Provides Health Update Ahead of Penn State’s Season Opener
Rojas played in all 16 games for the Nittany Lions in 2024, tallying 58 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, and three interceptions while serving as a weak-side linebacker for Penn State’s defense.
Despite appearing in every game, he battled a lingering shoulder injury and often had to protect his arm on the field. This offseason, he chose to sit out spring practice to focus on returning fully healthy.
He returned to practice this fall and is expected to be a starter on the Nittany Lions’ defense. Ahead of the team’s season opener against Nevada, Rojas confirmed that he is ready to go for the 2025 season.
“I feel 100 percent,” Rojas said. Obviously, I had some challenges in spring ball. But I’m back, feeling great, feeling good being back out with guys. It’s a blessing and I just can’t wait to show it off this season.”
Having Rojas fully healthy for the season is great news for Penn State, as the team has serious national title aspirations and will need him to help in that chase.
Penn State enters the season with high expectations, ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Poll. Much of that optimism stems from a defense expected to be among the nation’s best, with Rojas set to play a key role.
The linebacker corps is elite, led by Rojas, North Carolina transfer Amare Campbell, and redshirt senior Dominic DeLuca. Rojas brings versatility, combining athletic ability, intelligence, and play strength, making him a force against both the run and the pass.
Rojas was terrific for the Nittany Lions in 2024 despite playing through injury. With another offseason of development and his full health, he could emerge as one of the top linebackers in the country in 2025.
It’s a big season for Rojas and the rest of Penn State, and with him back at full health, the team could be poised for a championship run.
Rojas and the Penn State defense will get their first chance to show just how good the unit is when they open the season at home in Beaver Stadium against Nevada on Saturday, August 30, at 3:30 p.m. EST, with coverage on CBS.