DANIA BEACH, Fla. — In a notable twist in college football, Tyler Elsdon, a fifth-year linebacker at Penn State, chose to remain with the team even after losing his starting position. This decision stands out in a landscape where players frequently transfer for financial incentives or increased playtime. For Elsdon, his commitment is rooted in his passion for the game, loyalty to his teammates, and affection for his school.

As a result of his dedication, Elsdon is now set to play in the national semifinal against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Just two wins away from possibly securing a third national title for Penn State, he reflects on his experience with pride. “My decision to stay here was challenging, and of course I had thoughts about leaving,” he acknowledged. “But I knew the guys around me still supported me, and I still love them. I was going to be 100% loyal to the guys that I sacrificed for over the years.”

Elsdon began his collegiate career strong, having started all 13 games in 2022 as a sophomore, which ended in a victorious Rose Bowl. This performance put him on the radar for the Senior Bowl watch list, showcasing his talents among elite players. However, with the emergence of Kobe King, a highly regarded recruit from Michigan, Elsdon found himself relegated to a backup role.

Having grown up around 100 miles from State College, Elsdon was initially attracted to various schools including Virginia, West Virginia, and several Ivy League options. However, when Penn State entered the picture late in his recruitment, he was quick to commit.

Since Elsdon’s arrival, college football has dramatically evolved, especially with the introduction of NIL. “NIL is challenging, and it’s very tempting,” he stated. His journey included experiencing the empty Beaver Stadium during COVID-19, followed by the thrilling atmosphere of its full capacity of 110,000 fans. Despite these temptations, he insists that financial gain was never his primary motivation. “I never got into football for money. I never played football for myself.”

Coach James Franklin emphasized Elsdon’s importance to the team, expressing deep respect for the linebacker. He hopes that players like Elsdon will continue to have a place in college football, even as structural changes loom that might limit rosters to 105 players. “Are there less of those stories now because of the 105? I sure hope not, because I think they’re the stories that make college football so special,” Franklin remarked.

Elsdon’s decision to remain at Penn State has also allowed him to focus on his education. He completed a major in health policy administration and a minor in kinesiology last summer and is currently enrolled in a graduate program designed to teach students how to leverage technology for business innovation. “School’s very important to me,” he said, acknowledging how his academic path could lead to further educational opportunities.

While he is supportive of his peers benefiting from NIL arrangements, Elsdon emphasizes different motivations. His early life in a foster home, before being adopted in central Pennsylvania, shaped his identity. He has retained his biological parents’ last name as an homage to his roots. His introduction to football at a young age, primarily through being a water boy at his father’s coaching practices, led him to build lasting friendships through the sport, reinforcing the social aspect of his journey.

Reflecting on his high school experience, it was the pursuit of championships and the camaraderie with his teammates that drove him. “Materialistic things, they come and go. But these memories, the joy you feel, being in the locker room with these guys, that’s what it’s about,” he stated.

As the season winds down, Elsdon is aware he may only have a couple of locker room moments left this year. Regardless of the outcome, his dedication serves as a reminder of a bygone era: one where a player could spend five years at the same school, remaining steadfast in a time of fleeting affiliations and financial temptations. “I’m very grateful for what I’ve received,” he expressed. “There’s something super special to be a man among men, to love each other, and be confident with each other and play football for the right reasons.”