Penn State Nittany Lions' head coach Matt Campbell recently gave high praise to one of his star defenders before the 2026 college football season.
As the Penn State Nittany Lions begin to prepare for the 2026 college football season, newly-hired head coach Matt Campbell has done an excellent job of acquiring top-tier talent from the transfer portal this offseason.
Since joining the program at the beginning of the year, Campbell managed to land a total of 38 transfers to help aid him in rebuilding the Nittany Lions’ current roster. This includes former Ohio State running back James Peoples and Iowa State safety Jeremiah Cooper. However, despite Campbell’s massive transfer portal haul, one of his key playmakers for next season could already be on the roster.
Following the beginning of the Nittany Lions’ Spring practices, Campbell expressed his excitement for defensive back Zion Tracy to reporters earlier this week, stating that he is “one of the best football players” he has ever coached at the college level.
"One of the best football players maybe I have coached, to be quite honest with you, in terms of talent, ability," Campbell stated. "I feel like every game, big moment, that guy has shown up and been an elite football player. I think [Tracy] can be one of the best corners in the country, I think he can be one of the best safeties in the country, play nickel. He can do a lot. When you have a chess piece, like [Tracy], it gives you the ability to start to navigate the rest of the defensive structure."
Tracy’s Development With Penn State
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, US; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Zion Tracy (7) intercepts a pass in front of Boise State Broncos receiver Latrell Caples (3) during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium.Tracy, prior to joining Penn State, was an underrated prospect within the 2023 recruiting cycle, as he was the No. 4-ranked recruit in the state of New York and a top-70 cornerback in his class. And while the young playmaker was heavily pursued by the Syracuse Orangemen, former interim head coach Terry Smith was able to secure a commitment from Tracy.
Fortunately for the talented defensive back and the entire program, Tracy has developed into a stout defensive chess piece at the college level.
After seeing a limited amount of playing time as a freshman, he would eventually blossom into a key part of the Nittany Lions’ secondary unit in 2024, racking up 35 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack. Tracy followed up his strong sophomore season with another solid performance last season, ending the year with 32 tackles, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Now, with Tracy entering his senior season with the program, the veteran defensive back could be a terrific difference maker for Campbell and Penn State’s defense in 2026. His versatility to play anywhere on the field is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who has plenty of experience with talented defensive backs.
With Cooper and the rest of the defensive back acquisitions this offseason, the Nittany Lions’ secondary unit will likely make great strides from last year’s horrific season.
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