Penn State Will Have a Top Linebacker Unit in 2023

Entering the 2023 season, Penn State will have one of the top defenses in the country. That is one of the main reasons why the Nittany Lions are projected as a preseason top-10 team. From the defensive front seven to the secondary, this should be one of the most complete defenses the Nittany Lions have had in recent years.

One of the biggest strengths on the defensive side of the ball will be the linebacker core. When Curtis Jacobs announced he would be returning to Penn State for the 2023 season, the group knew they had that veteran leadership returning. With Jacobs manning the SAM linebacker role, expect him to produce great numbers again this season. In 2022 he racked up 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and an interception which he returned for a touchdown.

The MIKE linebacker role will see duties split by Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King. Both appeared in this role last season and played very well. I would expect them both to take a massive leap this year with more comfort in this role after a full year’s experience. Elsdon had 44 tackles last year while King accounted for 41 tackles. They will both need to play their best football for Penn State to get where they want to be this season.

Finally, the rising star of the group is Abdul Carter who will man the WILL linebacker position. He burst onto the season during his true freshman season. In 2022 he accounted for 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He is someone who cannot come off the field for the Nittany Lions, and he is trending to be a superstar in State College.

On3 released the above ranking and they have Penn State as the 3rd best linebacker unit in the country. I think that is fair, but by the end of the 2023 season, this could be the best room in the country.

We haven’t even spoken about Tony Rojas who could be an instant impact player as a true freshman this season as well. Not only do the Nittany Lions have star talent among the starting linebackers, but they also have future stars waiting on the sidelines to get their opportunity.