Penn State football linebacker Tony Rojas was named to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year watch list, the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame (HFHOF) announced Thursday. It is Rojas’ second consecutive year with a nod on the list.

BREAKING News:

THE 2026 HISPANIC COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WATCH LIST IS HERE.

“Hispanic athletes are driving the future of college football, and this Watch List ensures their extraordinary achievements get the national spotlight they’ve earned,” said Ron… pic.twitter.com/bpoXiP4j8b

— HISPANIC FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME (@HispanicFB) August 26, 2026

The HFHOF is a nonprofit organization founded by NFL greats Ron Rivera and Anthony Muñoz that aims to preserve and honor Hispanic football history. The award goes to the best college football player with Hispanic ancestry. Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza took home the inaugural honor in 2025.

Rojas didn’t return to the field after suffering a season-ending injury following Penn State’s White Out loss to Oregon in 2025. Despite being heavily linked to join Miami in the transfer portal, Rojas chose to stick around and join Matt Campbell as Penn State gears up for 2026.

Rojas is one of, if not the biggest returner for the Nittany Lions. He was the second-leading tackler before his injury and is still set to be one of the defense’s key leaders despite the new faces surrounding him.

Rojas is also pinned to watch lists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Other Big Ten players on the watch list include Purdue offensive lineman Micah Banuelos, Iowa wide receiver Tony Diaz, Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers, Ohio State cornerback Devin Sanchez, Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., and Oregon defensive back Peyton Woodyard.