Penn State football started its spring season on Tuesday. Head coach Matt Campbell spoke prior to the first practice, emphasizing how valuable this time of the year is for a team no matter what its situation is. For the Nittany Lions, it's particularly an important season for team bonding and for Campbell to figure out what pieces he's working with in his first season as Penn State's head coach.
Penn State football views spring ball as the first step in fulfilling its vision
As he assesses his roster, one defenseman already stands out among the rest: cornerback Zion Tracy.
"One of the best football players maybe I have coached, to be quite honest with you, in terms of talent, ability," Campbell described Tracy. ". . . I feel like every game, big moment, that guy has shown up and been an elite football player. I think [Tracy] can be one of the best corners in the country, I think he can be one of the best safeties in the country, play nickel. He can do a lot. When you have a chess piece, like [Tracy], it gives you the ability to start to navigate the rest of the defensive structure."
Matt Campbell calls senior DB Zion Tracy "one of the best football players I've coached" and "a chess piece" for Penn State's defense. He can also make an impact as a punt returner.
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) March 24, 2026
No one on Penn State's roster owns more career game snaps in a Nittany Lions uniform than Tracy.
Matt Campbell says cornerback Zion Tracy is "one of the best football players" he's coached
In his three seasons as a Nittany Lion, Tracy wasn't the star defenseman when competing with guys, like defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and defensive tackle Zane Durant, for the spotlight.
In 40 collegiate games, the cornerback logged 80 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three passes defensed, two sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. One of his interceptions was also returned back for a touchdown in 2024.
Going into the 2026 season, Tracy was already an expected starter for Penn State. After hearing Campbell's comments on Tuesday, that more than confirms those expectations. In his first year, Campbell and his staff need key pieces they can build a defense around. Tracy is clearly one of them. Whether he stays at cornerback or shifts to safety to assist in terms of depth, the rising senior has his time to shine and make the most of his opportunities in his final collegiate season.