Penn State Sports Magazine
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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 31 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Penn State's true freshman class enters college under a radically different reality than previous groups. Redshirts became a thing of the past in June, with the NCAA adopt- ing new rules dictating five seasons of eligibility for all Division I ath- letes within a five-year window. As a result, the personnel-balancing act that coaches had to manage for decades is no longer necessary. If true freshmen can contribute, they'll play. Thanks to the new rules, there's no reason to hold them out if they can help the team. At Penn State, 22 players enter the season with true freshman eligibility. While their roles will vary and are certain to evolve, three are already being discussed as potential contributors in 2026. Josiah Zayas | S The potential was visible during the Blue-White Practice in April. Lining up to blitz on a swing pass by classmate Peyton Falzone, Zayas stepped in front of the ball, made the interception and scooted untouched into the end zone for a pick-six. Zayas had been a Rivals Industry Ranking three-star cornerback in the 2026 class, ranked No. 12 at the position and No. 430 nationally. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder is still listed at that spot on Penn State's official roster, but he's been at safety this offseason, making an un- expected appearance in position coach Deon Broomfield's room. "He's picking it up really fast," Broomfield said. "If I had to say a surprise, he would probably be in that category." One of Zayas' most noteworthy assets is his desire to learn. Broom- field said the freshman has been texting him frequently, asking to be quizzed on new material. To the veteran assistant coach, that's a sign Zayas is fully committed to making the most of his opportunity. "The guys that I've been around, they usually start to rise to the top because they're always curious about finding out informa- tion," Broomfield said. "From a physical standpoint, there's no lack of development. He's already at that threshold, and now you're trying to make the mental aspect meet the physical a little bit. You try to break it down to where it's digestible." Penn State's safety corps is loaded with veterans like junior Mar- cus Neal Jr. and seniors Jamison Patton and Jeremiah Cooper. Nickel defender Zion Tracy is a senior, too. Given the experience PSU has amassed, mainly through the transfer portal, Zayas doesn't have a clear path to playing time. Even so, the staff expects him to make an on-field contribution this fall, whether on special teams or defense. As with all true freshmen, Zayas will need to continue his prog- ress into preseason camp and beyond. But if Broomfield's assess- ment is any indication, he's got the makeup that often separates early contributors from developmental players. Jackson Ford | DE Unlike his classmate Zayas, Ford occupies a position of need for Penn State. He's a four-star prospect who ranked No. 31 nationally among edge rushers, and he arrives in State College at a moment when the Lions lack proven players at his spot. Back in April, head coach Matt Campbell said Ford's role will de- pend on "what happens between now and the end of fall camp." But he added that the 6-5, 264-pound defensive end had turned heads in spring practice with his athletic ability. "His physical tools and physical ability have been really impres- sive," Campbell said. Those tools are a key part of the conversation about Ford's im- mediate future, especially considering D'Anton Lynn's vision for the position. In an interview with BWI earlier this summer, the Lions' first-year defensive coordinator expressed a preference for bigger defensive ends. The holdovers at the position from Penn State's 2025 roster — sophomore LaVar Arrington II and redshirt freshman Dayshaun Burnett — don't fit that template. Arrington is listed at 220 pounds, while Burnett checks in at 226. Ford has about 40 pounds on both of those 2025 signees. Com- bine his size and physical ability with a strong desire to see the field immediately, and it begins to seem plausible that Ford could earn a spot in the rotation. "I feel like his adjustments one day at a time have been really impressive," Campbell said. "He flashes with his ability. As a young player, can you consistently do those things every day? Can you be trusted enough to find a role on a football team? I think he'll cer- tainly have the ability to compete for that as we get into fall camp." Amarion Jackson | WR The extent of Jackson's impact this fall remains to be seen, but there doesn't appear to be much internal debate about his overall trajectory. He's going to play this year. "I don't know if there's a true freshman who's had a bigger spring than he has," Campbell said. "He's a dynamic football player. And I think he's a guy who's certainly on track right now to push to play as a true freshman. "He's been impressive with how he's approached it, his man- nerisms. He knows what to do. He plays really fast for a young football player and plays really confident. I'm excited to watch him continue to grow through camp." Jackson was recruited as a safety coming out of Millard South High in Omaha, Neb., but he got an audition at wide receiver in spring practice. After a few days at the position, there was no turning back. At 6-2, 192 pounds, Jackson has the requisite physicality. He's also got the work ethic and, like Ford, is stationed at a position group where an upwardly mobile newcomer could easily play his way onto the field. Nothing has happened since the end of spring practice to sug- gest that Jackson's momentum has slowed. If anything, the mur- murs have only gotten louder in recent weeks. Preseason camp will offer this promising newcomer an opportunity to shine. — Nate Bauer These PSU Freshmen Are Vying To See Action This Fall Safety Josiah Zayas (left) and wide receiver Amarion Jackson (right) are both viewed as potential contributors for the Nittany Lions in 2026. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS