D'Anton Lynn on Returning to Penn State | Defense, Tony Rojas & What's Different Now

Penn State defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn sits down with Thomas Frank Carr for an exclusive BWI interview — and it's the most detailed look yet at what this defense is actually going to be in 2026. Lynn covers the full defensive installation process from spring to fall, explains why multiplicity is the core philosophy and how it benefits NFL draft evaluation for his players, and breaks down specific players including Tony Rojas, Zion Tracy, Marcus Neal, Liam Andrews, and LaVar Arrington II. He also talks about what it's been like working alongside Taylor Mouser's offense — and why practicing against a Big Ten style offense every day makes game week easier. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction & How the Big Ten Has Changed 00:02:12 - The Defensive Installation Process: Spring to Fall 00:03:37 - What Are Penn State's Defensive Strengths Heading Into 2026? 00:09:16 - Liam Andrews & LaVar Arrington II: The Versatility Factor 00:11:50 - The Defensive End Room: Why Body Type Diversity Is the Plan 00:13:56 - The Safety Room: Zion Tracy, Marcus Neal & Playing Best 11 00:16:00 - Iowa State Linebackers Adjusting to a Four-Down Front 00:16:58 - Tony Rojas: "I Had No Idea He Was That Big" 00:18:39 - Coaching Under Matt Campbell: What It's Been Like 00:19:22 - Practicing Against Taylor Mouser's Offense: Why It Makes D Better 00:21:01 - Coming Home to Penn State: The Pinch-Me Moment 00:23:44 - The Cerebral Coach: Controlling Emotions & Next Play Mentality 00:25:13 - Legacy at Penn State: "I Feel Like I Was Just In Their Seats" Subscribe to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KzEcqK Check out the site too! - https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-... Get 20% off and free shipping at Fanatics with our affiliate link: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/OeZg2z Use Code BWI20 to get 20 percent off Rhoback’s Gameday Collection: https://rhoback.com/collections/penns... Want breaking news like this delivered straight to your inbox for FREE? Sign up today for the BWI breaking newsletter! You’ll also get daily updates with the top headlines of the day five times a week. Click here to sign-up! https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-... #PennState #NittanyLions JOIN Blue White Illustrated: https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-... SUBSCRIBE to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube and enable alerts - new highlights and videos uploaded regularly: https://www.youtube.com/c/bluewhiteil... Bookmark our homepage: https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-... Subscribe to BWI Magazine and Newsletters: https://bluewhiteonline.com Like us on Facebook   / bluewhiteillustrated   Follow us on Twitter   / pennstateon3   Music and SFX from Zapsplat.com