True freshman linebacker Alex Tatsch will not play in Saturday’s Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson due to an injury, Sean Fitz of Blue White Illustrated reports. 

Tatsch appeared in six contests this year, recording seven solo tackles, 14 total tackles, and one pass breakup. His presence in the lineup became increasingly crucial down the stretch, as an injury to Tony Rojas left the defensive core searching for answers in the middle of its season.

Tatsch played a role in the early-November matchup with Ohio State and has shown improvement through each subsequent game. His performance in the Nebraska game at Beaver Stadium demonstrated this, as Tatsch accounted for five total tackles in the rout of the Cornhuskers.

The Nittany Lions will be without him for the bowl game after suffering an undisclosed injury. Terry Smith will need to utilize the already slim depth at the position in the wake of Tatsch’s absence.

The linebacker will join a list of Penn State opt-outs and transfers that will be unavailable to play, most notably including Nick Singleton, Olaivavega Ioane, Zane Durant, Zakee Wheatley, and Chaz Coleman, who recently announced that he would be entering the transfer portal after one season in the blue and white.

Tatsch was a four-star recruit from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and a member of James Franklin’s 2025 class.