ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Penn State defensive back Zion Tracy came up with a much-needed defensive play Saturday afternoon against Michigan, recording his first interception since the Nittany Lions’ College Football Playoff quarterfinal victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024.
With Penn State leading Michigan 3-0 midway through the second quarter, Tracy intercepted Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood to halt a Michigan possession that had advanced deep into Nittany Lions territory.
On first down from the Penn State 36-yard line, Underwood attempted a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marshall that Penn State defensive back Jahmir Joseph broke up and that Tracy intercepted at the Penn State 17.
The interception was the third of Tracy’s collegiate career and his first of the 2026 season.
His first career interception remains one of his most memorable plays in a Penn State uniform.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.During the 2024 season, Tracy intercepted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and returned it for a touchdown, providing one of the highlights of Penn State’s 20-13 loss to the Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium.
Saturday’s interception against Michigan also came at an important moment for a Penn State defense looking to generate turnovers.
For Tracy, it marked another significant play against a marquee opponent and ended a nearly two-year stretch without an interception.
