STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Jaylen Reed, visibly fatigued yet spirited after a commanding victory over Maryland, took his place in the media room at Beaver Stadium, sporting dirt on his hands and eye black streaks across his face. As he settled in, his enthusiasm was evident while listening to teammate Audavion Collins animatedly recount his inaugural interception, reflecting pride in his fellow player’s achievement.
Reed, a key player and captain for the No. 3 Nittany Lions (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 4 in the CFP), values the contribution of underclassmen, recognizing the critical role they will play as the team strives for its first national championship title since 1986. “Depth is essential, especially with defensive players who can step up each week. That’s going to be crucial as we head into the postseason,” Reed remarked, emphasizing the vital importance of having a roster filled with capable athletes.
The impact of depth is significant for Penn State; Collins is not alone in making his mark on the field—in fact, throughout the season, a total of 39 players have participated in a defense that is currently ranked seventh in the nation in both rushing and passing yards allowed. As they prepare for the Big Ten championship against top-ranked Oregon in Indianapolis, the Nittany Lions hold the fourth position for total defense and the sixth in scoring defense, giving them a solid standing against the Ducks’ 15th-ranked offense.
Since October, Penn State has actively rotated a robust lineup of players, including at least nine defensive linemen, six linebackers, and nine defensive backs throughout games. This strategy has led to a slew of defensive milestones, with seven players achieving their first career interceptions in this season, alongside five players notching their initial sacks.
Tony Rojas, a linebacker, noted, “We have confidence in every team member who comes in after us. Our defense is capable of greatness, and I believe we are among the best in the country.” Despite having faced setbacks, including the absence of star safety KJ Winston due to a long-term injury sustained earlier in the season, the coaching staff has effectively utilized younger talents like Collins, Eliot Washington, Zion Tracy, and Dejuan Lane in defensive roles. Both Tracy and Lane have ramped up their contributions significantly since November.
The team’s front line has also battled injury issues, with standout defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton limited by health concerns during the season. In preparation for the Maryland game, defensive tackles Alonzo Ford and Kaleb Artis, as well as defensive end Zuriah Fisher, were unable to play due to their injuries. Dennis-Sutton, although not fully fit, continued to participate, allowing seniors Amin Vanover and Smith Vilbert—both of whom have faced challenges with injuries over the years—to bolster the team’s overall defensive depth.
“Having Dani back in good form is crucial for us,” head coach James Franklin commented on Dennis-Sutton’s return. “His performance alongside Abdul (Carter), who has adapted seamlessly to defensive end, has improved our rotation and overall team productivity.”
Furthermore, one of the defensive unit’s strengths lies in their ability to finish games strongly. Across the season, the Nittany Lions have yielded just 445 yards against 125 plays in the third quarter alone. In the second half and overtime, they have outscored their opponents 192-55 and restricted 19 out of their last 22 Big Ten rivals to under 100 rushing yards.
Much like Reed, senior Dvon J-Thomas also spent the latter part of the Maryland game encouraging the younger players, including tackle Ty Blanding, who made his first career tackle for a loss during his initial defensive series. “The focus and improvement in their attention to detail have been remarkable,” J-Thomas shared. “This is a unique opportunity that doesn’t come often in a player’s career, and I believe they’re fully aware of that.”