The 2026 three-star cornerback from Edison, N.J., Josiah Zayas, only received eight offers out of high school and has proven his worth to Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell ever since.
On Saturday, Zayas ran out with the Nittany Lions' starters alongside Audavion Collins, Daryus Dixson, Jamison Patton, and Marcus Neal Jr. The true freshman earned the start over returning senior Zion Tracy.
"He's made big plays every single practice that he's been here," Campbell said of Zayas during fall camp.
Campbell also talked about Zayas' versatility and how that's an advantage that separates him from others in the defensive back room. From corner to safety to nickel, Zayas can be plugged into that defensive backfield nearly anywhere, which should pan out well for Penn State farther into the season as well if injuries occur.
Starting defense for Penn State:
— Lexie Linderman (@lexielinderman) September 5, 2026
DTs: Siale Taupaki, Keanu Williams
DEs: Ike Ezeogu, Yvan Kemajou
LBs: Kooper Ebel, Tony Rojas
DBs: Audavion Collins, Daryus Dixson, Jamison Patton, Marcus Neal Jr. and Josiah Zayas
True freshman Josiah Zayas gets a starting nod.
Penn State true freshman cornerback Josiah Zayas gets the start vs. Marshall
Zayas followed Campbell from Iowa State to Happy Valley as a recruit with 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, and nine interceptions to his name out of high school. Per 247Sports Composite ranking, he was ranked No. 44 at cornerback and No. 414 nationally.
However, rankings don't show the full picture and Campbell is a big believer in that. On Saturday, fans got to see Zayas' work throughout fall camp out on the field on gameday. While not everything was positive, that leanrning curve through live reps is necessary and none of his mistakes were anything jarring.
In the first series for Penn State's defense, Zayas helped cap off a three-and-out covering wide receiver Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw and making the tackle for loss on third-and-three.
On Marshall's third offensive series, quarterback Carlos Rio-Wilson's pass to tight end toby Payne was completed around the line of gain and Zayas tackled him from below. Though allowing the Thundering Herd's first first-down of the contest, Zayas's finish and vision on the field were on display yet again.
Zayas was also called for defensive holding in that series, but after seeing the play a second time, it wasn't anything egregious and was a slightly questionable call at that.
In the second quarter, his read was on point yet again. Del Rio-Wilson was focused on defensive end Alexander McPherson, handing the ball off to running back Jo'Shon Barbie. Zayas helped outnumber the Thundering Herd and brought Barbie down behind the line of scrimmage. His tackle for loss was good to push Marshall back six yards.
Zayas was also in coverage against Payne with under a minute left of the first half. Marshall's tight end couldn't get to the spot in time in the end zone were Del Rio-Wilson targeted, but Zayas was also right on his heels to make the tackle if necessary.
The true freshman is making the most of his opportunities to start the season. Zayas closed on the first half with two tackles for loss.
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