Linebacker U is a phrase that has become synonymous with Penn State football, and now, rising sophomore Alex Tatsch looks to be the latest gem.

Since arriving at Happy Valley, new head coach Matt Campbell has had nothing but praise for the former four-star prospect from Latrobe, Pennsylvania. In February, he went so far as to say he has a chance to be the next “great linebacker” to don the blue and white.

Tatsch saw limited action as a true freshman last year, though, appearing in six games and tallying 14 tackles. He was then sidelined with an undisclosed injury that caused him to miss the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, and he hasn’t returned to full practice participation since.

Campbell said at Penn State’s local media day that Tatsch is close to a full return and could be back for the Nittany Lions’ season opener on September 5 against Marshall.

That injury has limited Tatsch for the last eight months, but he’s found ways to put himself in the best position possible as he nears his return.

“Although he’s not practicing right now, he’s been super interactive in meetings,” fellow linebacker Tony Rojas said. “He wants to learn more, and he wants to get better, so he’s gonna be great once he gets back.”

With an established veteran presence in Rojas and two experienced transfers in Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon, Tatsch has plenty of competition in a busy linebacker room. However, Tatsch has shown his coaches that he has the traits to become an impact player.

“He’s an extremely intelligent young guy. He’s an extremely physical young guy,” linebackers coach Tyson Veidt said. “Typically, the combination of those two things tends to be a good linebacker.”

While Tatsch projects to be a rotational piece to start his sophomore season, his older teammates have raved about his potential to become a more influential player in the future.

“He’s a quieter guy, doesn’t talk a lot, but you get him on the football field, and he’s just flying around,” Bacon said.

Tatsch is set to return “sooner rather than later,” and despite it looking like he’s buried in the depth chart right now, anything can happen in college football. Tatsch was set to redshirt last season before stepping into a rotational role after Tony Rojas suffered a torn ACL in practice halfway through the season.

With Bacon spending time with the defensive line, a healthy Tatsch can give the Nittany Lions the depth in the linebacker room that they so desperately needed in 2025.

For Tatsch, his full evaluation will have to wait until he returns to live practice, but with the praise he’s already demanding, Tatsch could be in line to join some of Penn State’s linebacker greats.