Where does Penn State go at linebacker after departure of Brashear grad Ta'Mere Robinson?

Penn State’s linebacker play was at times detrimental in 2024, both against the pass and the run. But NFL-bound Kobe King’s talent and experience often covered for any deficiencies over the course of the game.

In 2025, the Nittany Lions are shaping up to have even more questions at the position. Things only got worse after redshirt sophomore Ta’Mere Robinson (Brashear), who was in line for a bump in playing time and potentially starts, entered the transfer portal Wednesday.

Dom DeLuca has returned for a fifth season with 839 defensive snaps in tow. He’s not a star, but he’s a consistent producer with a knack for the occasional big play. You know what you’re going to get from DeLuca, and he’s a good leader for the inexperienced linebacking corps behind him.

“Dom is very steady, very steady,” first-year coordinator Jim Knowles said this week. “He’s the stalwart of the defense.”

Junior Tony Rojas, with 778 snaps of his own, has entered veteran territory. He’ll still need to show up more consistently, especially against the run, to pair with his high-level athleticism. The Virginia native has also been held out this spring with an offseason surgery. Regardless, Penn State is pretty confident in what it has in Rojas.

Beyond DeLuca and Rojas is where things get murky. There’s no clear replacement for King at the middle linebacker spot, not to mention that someone will have to step up and wear the “green dot” for in-helmet communication from the coaching staff.

Let’s analyze the options for Penn State based on past experience in Happy Valley.

Redshirt junior Keon Wylie — 126 snaps

Often a forgotten part of the vaunted 2022 recruiting class, there is yet some promise for Wylie and what he can do in 2025.

He broke onto the scene in 2023 with a regular role on pass-rushing downs but missed a chance to take the next step with a season-ending injury last spring. He’s been back on the practice field since late last season and has made a good impression thus far.

“Keon Wiley has flashed,” Knowles said. “That’s what I call a flash, when guys kind of come across my screen, making plays.”

Wylie looked impressive in practice Tuesday, working across from offensive lineman J’ven Williams in a pass-rushing drill. As a candidate at Mike, Wylie is one of the biggest X-factors in this linebacking corps’ future success.

The Philadelphia native owns 16 career appearances, 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks after enrolling as a three-star prospect.

Redshirt sophomore DaKaari Nelson — 67 snaps

After making the switch from safety to linebacker in 2024 fall camp, Nelson made a few splash plays on special teams and filled in nicely while DeLuca tended to a minor injury. He has a long way to go, but the well-regarded four-star can be an option this year.

Nelson spends his time as an outside linebacker, though, so he’ll likely still rotate with DeLuca.

The 6-3, 220-pounder has appeared in 16 games with five tackles.

Redshirt freshman Anthony Speca — 60 snaps

Perhaps the player who most needs to take a step this season, Speca has caught the attention of both James Franklin and Knowles.

“I think Speca has really done well,” Knowles said. “Speca has really moved into an advanced role early, and he has shown to be a very instinctual and smart player.”

The Central Catholic product played six games last season and made eight tackles, with his most extended look coming against Kent State. He looked strong with a team-leading five stops.

But Speca is still rough around the edges and struggled a bit in the same pass-rushing drill that Wiley excelled in Tuesday. He’s one of the most likely candidates for the green dot this year, so continued progression through fall camp will be important to watch.

The field — 0 snaps

Five other linebackers remain on the current roster, with one more slated to join this summer:

• Redshirt freshman Kari Jackson

• Freshman LaVar Arrington II

• Freshman Alex Tatsch

• Freshman Cam Smith

• Redshirt sophomore Winston Yates (walk-on)

• Redshirt junior Jackson Pryts (walk-on)

Jackson spent most of last season injured and has returned to the practice field to start his development, but there’s little expectation he will contribute significantly this year.

Arrington, living up to his namesake by already wearing the No. 11 jersey, is a physical specimen who will be raw but could make plays this year.

Tatsch was hurt during his senior year at Latrobe, and Smith has yet to make it to campus.

Perhaps Penn State will look toward the transfer portal to add some depth at linebacker, as the current group is filled with question marks. Otherwise, position coach Dan Connor will have his work cut out for him through the rest of the offseason.