Penn State linebacker Penn State Nittany Lions football Tony Rojas has been named one of 42 candidates for the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award presented annually to college football players who excel both on and off the field.
The announcement was made at a luncheon hosted by the Lott IMPACT Trophy organization at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California.
Rojas enters his junior season looking to bounce back after injuries limited him to just four games in 2025. Despite the shortened season, the former All-Big Ten linebacker remains one of Penn State’s most respected defensive leaders and is widely viewed as a key piece of the Nittany Lions’ defense heading into 2026.
During his standout sophomore campaign in 2024, Rojas earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors from the conference’s coaches after making 16 starts at linebacker. He finished the year with 58 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions and four pass breakups. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Rojas’ three interceptions ranked sixth-most in the Big Ten during the 2024 season, showcasing his versatility and instincts in coverage. He was also named Penn State’s Defensive Player of the Game following the Nittany Lions’ College Football Playoff First Round victory over SMU.
Off the field, Rojas is also recognized for his community involvement, regularly volunteering through his church.
Former Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib remains the program’s lone Lott IMPACT Trophy winner, capturing the honor in 2015.
