Linebacker U is back for Penn State football, and head coach Matt Campbell believes this sophomore linebacker is a big reason why.
Matt Campbell and Penn State miss out on 5-star in-state prospect
"I think [Alex] Tatsch has got a chance to be one of the great linebackers of all time here," Campbell said in a recent press conference. "I love his video. I love what he's about. I'd go to fight with that guy right now, today."
Tatsch, a six-foot-two-inch, 231-pound linebacker, finished his true freshman season as a Nittany Lion. He appeared in six contests during the 2025 season, playing against Villanova, Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Rutgers. He totaled 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and one pass defensed in 2025.
Matt Campbell has high expectations for sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch:
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) February 7, 2026
"I think Tatsch has got a chance to be one of the great linebackers of all time here. I love his video. I love what he's about. I'd go to fight with that guy right now, today."
Tatsch had 14 tackles in… pic.twitter.com/A4r8iztmzz
Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell says Alex Tatsch can be "one of the greatest linebackers of all time" for the Nittany Lions
Penn State's depth at linebacker was tested during the season after Tony Rojas went down with an injury that ultimately ended his season and required surgery. Rojas is back for the Nittany Lions, but he can't do it alone. Rising talent needs to step up, and Campbell believes Tatsch can and will do just that.
Tatsch was a four-star recruit from the Class of 2025. He was ranked 328th nationally, 35th among all linebackers, and eighth out of Pennsylvania. Campbell noted the importance of his in-state roots and the identity that brings to the Nittany Lions.
The new head coach went as far as to say he'd want Tatsch and assistant linebacker coach Dan Connor to lead the team out at times alongside his initial statement. Connor also attended Penn State, becoming a two-time, first-team All-American and winning the chuck Bednarik Award in 2007. The upcoming 2026 season will be his fourth season with the program after starting in 2022 as a defensive analyst. He returns as linebackers coach Tyson Veidt's assistant.
Campbell's linebacker room consists of Tatsch, Rojas, Cam Smith, Caleb Bacon, Cael Brezina, Kooper Ebel, Josh Klosterman, Chris Fileppo, and Keian Kaiser. Depth should not be a concern for the Nittany Lions in 2026.