It is a new year, and optimism is in the air at Penn State! With Matt Campbell coming in from Iowa State to replace James Franklin as head coach, the Nittany Lions are hoping to get back to their lofty standard in short order. One key player is hoping to do the same. Veteran linebacker and team leader Tony Rojas is hoping to put last year's disappointing season all behind him to get back to greatness.
Look who just made the Lott Trophy watch list! Rojas seems like the perfect candidate for this honor.
Difference maker on and off the field. @Tony_Rojas5 ➡️ @TheLottTrophy watch list pic.twitter.com/UhT6UwQ6u2
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) May 22, 2026
The Lott Impact Trophy recognizes "college football's defensive best in character and performance."
Rojas embodies everything that made Ronnie Lott so special at both USC and in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers. If he can stay fully healthy, he is poised to have a tremendous season for Penn State. During his third season with the team, Rojas saw his junior year end by way of a torn ACL after only four games. He was ahead of schedule to eclipse all of his individual stats before his untimely injury.
With Rojas having completely bought into what Campbell is preaching, look for him to be a superstar!
Tony Rojas has a real shot to win the Lott Impact Trophy at Penn State
Lott may have been a safety throughout his illustrious college and pro career, but keep in mind that the Impact Trophy honors on and off-field excellence on the defensive side of the ball. Rojas may play linebacker at Linebacker U, but he does need to take this one game at a time. There might be other more prestigious honors to garner during college football awards season, but this one would be nice.
What is so important here for a player like Rojas is to become an on-field coach for Campbell. The fact the new Penn State head coach favors his side of the ball is massive. When Penn State is at its very best, the linebacking corps dictates terms defensively, and everybody else gets into line. Rojas is an easier player to root for. After what transpired last season, that looks to be even more so now.
Overall, Rojas will face stiff competition for this honor, or really any other he could potentially be up for. Penn State has the potential to be a good team again, but in order to become a great one, Rojas must take charge defensively for Campbell. While we should expect for Penn State to be markedly better this year than last, nothing is guaranteed in football. Putting in the work will be paramount here.
Ultimately, Rojas being named to the Lotty Impact Trophy watch list is yet another sign that things are going to get better in Happy Valley. This is far more likely to be a nine-win team than a six-win one again. Penn State does have a navigable schedule this fall. However, many off last year's players followed Franklin to Virginia Tech. The fact Rojas decided to remain makes him even more valuable.
With all the former Iowa State players following Campbell to Penn State, look for Rojas to lead them.
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