Penn State’s depth at linebacker has taken a hit less than one week before its Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Clemson.

Freshman Alex Tatsch will miss the bowl game after suffering an injury in practice. Tatsch had become a key reserve for the Nittany Lions down the stretch, averaging more than 17 snaps over the final five games.

“His development has been tremendous,” interim head coach Terry Smith said in November. “He’s going to be one terrific player here. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast. And he’s smart, he’s been tutored by one of the greatest in Penn State History in Dan Connor. He’s going to be a great one for us.”

Tatsch totaled a career-best five tackles against Nebraska in the next-to-last regular-season game. His freshman season now ends with 14 tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup.

The 6-foot-2, 231-pound linebacker was a four-star prospect coming out of high school, with On3 ranking him No. 152 overall and No. 17 among all linebackers in the 2025 class.

Photo by Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images