Penn State defensive tackle PJ Mustipher will officially return to Happy Valley next fall for a fifth season with the Nittany Lions.

“This past year didn’t end the way I had expected, and I look forward to pursuing the goals we have set out as a team, as well as the goals I have for myself,” Mustipher said in a Twitter post. “I am excited to get back to school and continue my rehab and [work] with the guys for the upcoming season.”

Mustipher was in the middle of a career-best season when he suffered an undisclosed injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. The senior captain had already posted a career-high 16 solo tackles in just five games this fall. Overall, he contributed 21 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.

An incoming fifth-year and a returning captain, Mustipher should provide a big boost for a Nittany Lions defense primed to lose a handful of starters to the 2022 NFL Draft, including linebackers Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith, safety Jaquan Brisker, and defensive end Jesse Luketa. Mustipher’s return will likely make life easier for incoming defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, too.

So far, a few Nittany Lions have already pledged to return to Beaver Stadium in 2022. Among them are defensive backs Joey Porter Jr. and Jonathan Sutherland, the latter of whom is a returning captain.