Analyzing Zuriah Fisher impressive first game back from injury against FIU

Zuriah Fisher missed every single regular season and playoff game in 2024. The 2023 Peach Bowl where he recorded his first sack was his last appearance for Penn State football. With many unanswered "what ifs," many were left to imagine the role Fisher would've played and what his true potential has in store.

Fisher's collegiate career so far shows promise, but injuries continued hindering the star's progress, resulting in inconsistent playing time. The first three seasons of his career saw him appear only 11 times; then, in his fourth year (2023-24), he played every single game. After being completely sidelined in 2024-25, Fisher made his first appearance in Week 2 of 2025 since returning from injury.

When fully healthy with a full sample size of reps, Fisher's ability can't be questioned. In his fourth season, he recorded all of his career sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss (3.5).

Nittany Lion fans anticipated Fisher to return in Week 1 against Nevada, but that hope was quickly dashed. Not even head coach James Franklin held back in his excitement for the defender's return, though, which was noted before the Week Two matchup with Florida International.

Saturday's game against FIU marked Fisher's 25th collegiate career game. Despite not having a major performance on the stat sheet, his impact was felt and known. He was given credit for his QB hurries and pass rushes against the Panthers and tied for second in defense alongside Zakee Wheatley following his performance, according to PFF.

Now in his sixth season, Fisher's angst and excitement to hit the field built up over a season and a half is pressuring quarterbacks in exactly the way Franklin wants.

This mental strength is precisely what Franklin highlighted in his Monday press conference, with many praises for Fisher, despite the initial coaching plans not panning out.

“It was just great having [Fisher] back. Probably played a little bit more than what I wanted him to play in terms of . . . rep count,” Franklin said on Monday. “But he looked quick off the ball, he looked confident — mentally looked confident, physically looked confident, emotionally [he] had a big smile on his face, was flying around [and] having fun.”

The defensive end played over 30 snaps in his return, indicating that he is all physically ready to go. Even with the team loaded at the position, his presence will not go underappreciated.

What makes Fisher different is his leadership, along with that of other veteran rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton who brought true freshman Chaz Coleman under his wing.

“That was big for us,” Franklin said in regards to having Fisher back. “We’re young at defensive end, so that experience and that leadership is important for us.”

Now, Franklin and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will have to balance this trifecta; regardless, fans will be delighted with the talent on the field. Expect Fisher to be thrown into action, given that this is his last season of eligibility.

Only time will tell if Fisher is poised for that breakout season, but his debut is ultimately pointing in that direction. Happy Valley may have found yet another standout pass rusher sporting the blue white.