Penn State’s defense did not have a banner day in the Nittany Lions’ 40-36 escape against Rutgers last Saturday in New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights’ 533-yard day is tough to overlook.

But PSU’s game-winning touchdown was a defensive score, and Jim Knowles’ unit did register a key fourth-down stop late. Plus, Michigan State and Nebraska were held to a total of 20 points against the Lions in November games.

Tuesday, we looked at a few Penn State o ffensive players who made strides this season.

The defense is up next. A pair of PSU veterans, edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton and safety Zakee Wheatley, were coming off productive 2024 seasons. But we’re looking at not-so-obvious candidates.

Amare Campbell. The North Carolina transfer linebacker joined Penn State’s program after spring dri

See Full Page