Linebacker U Reloaded: Why Matt Campbell Believes Alex Tatsch Is the Future of Penn State’s Defense
If there's one thing you can count on in Happy Valley, it's the legacy of elite linebacker play. From Jack Ham to LaVar Arrington to Micah Parsons, Penn State has long been known as Linebacker U.
And according to head coach Matt Campbell, that tradition isn’t just alive-it’s thriving. The name to know now?
Sophomore Alex Tatsch.
“I think Tatsch has got a chance to be one of the great linebackers of all time here,” Campbell said recently. “I love his video.
I love what he's about. I’d go to fight with that guy right now, today.”
That’s not just coach-speak. That’s a head coach putting serious belief behind a player who’s only scratched the surface of what he can become.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, Tatsch brings the kind of size and physicality you want anchoring the second level of your defense. And while his freshman stat line-14 tackles, one tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a pass defensed over six games-won’t jump off the page, the film tells a different story. He played meaningful snaps against some of the Big Ten’s toughest opponents, including Ohio State and Michigan State, and showed flashes of the instincts and sideline-to-sideline range that Penn State fans have come to expect from their linebackers.
Campbell’s praise isn’t just about potential-it’s about presence. Tatsch already plays with a veteran’s edge, and that’s not something you can teach.
Filling the Void, Embracing the Moment
Penn State’s linebacker unit took a hit last season when standout Tony Rojas went down with a season-ending injury that required surgery. With Rojas sidelined, the door opened for younger players like Tatsch to step in-and he didn’t shy away from the moment.
Now, with Rojas expected to return, the Nittany Lions have a chance to roll out a deep, versatile linebacker corps. But even with the veteran back in the fold, Campbell made it clear: Tatsch isn’t just another name on the depth chart. He’s a cornerstone in the making.
Built in PA, Built for Penn State
Tatsch’s journey to Penn State carries extra weight because of where it started-right in the heart of Pennsylvania. As a four-star recruit from the Class of 2025, he ranked as the No. 328 overall prospect in the country, the 35th-best linebacker, and the eighth-best player in the state. That in-state identity matters to Campbell, who sees it as part of the DNA that makes Penn State’s defense tick.
There’s a cultural connection here. Tatsch isn’t just playing for Penn State-he’s representing the state. And that kind of pride can fuel a player in ways that stats and rankings never will.
Leading the Way with a Legend by His Side
Campbell didn’t stop at praising Tatsch’s potential. He also floated the idea of having him lead the team out alongside assistant linebackers coach Dan Connor-a name that still echoes through Beaver Stadium.
Connor, a Penn State legend in his own right, was a two-time first-team All-American and the 2007 Chuck Bednarik Award winner. After joining the staff in 2022 as a defensive analyst, he now serves as assistant to linebackers coach Tyson Veidt. Having a mentor like Connor in the building only raises the ceiling for what Tatsch can become.
Loaded Room, High Expectations
Penn State’s linebacker room heading into 2026 is stacked. Alongside Tatsch and Rojas, the Nittany Lions boast names like Cam Smith, Caleb Bacon, Cael Brezina, Kooper Ebel, Josh Klosterman, Chris Fileppo, and Keian Kaiser. It’s a group that offers both depth and flexibility-exactly what Campbell and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz need to rotate fresh legs and adapt to today’s high-tempo offenses.
But even in a crowded room, Tatsch is separating himself. His blend of toughness, football IQ, and homegrown pride is exactly what Penn State has built its defensive legacy on.
The Bottom Line
Alex Tatsch isn’t just the next man up-he’s the next big thing at Linebacker U. And if Campbell’s instincts are right, we could be watching the early chapters of a story that ends with Tatsch’s name etched alongside the greats in Penn State history.
For now, the sophomore is focused on the work. But don’t be surprised if, come fall, he’s not just making plays-he’s leading the charge for a defense that looks ready to bring the heat back to Happy Valley.