Penn State’s cornerback room was largely untouched by the turnover that gutted the rest of the defensive side of the ball, but it still features some interesting retooling heading into the fall.
Position coach Terry Smith was one of few coaches retained on staff, while all three projected starters are returners.
Here’s how the room is taking shape heading into the fall.
Audavion Collins returns after a solid campaign in his first season as a full-time starter. Though he surrendered some big plays, Collins is a CB1 candidate and provides a veteran presence in the room.
Joining him on the outside will likely be breakout candidate Daryus Dixson. With A.J. Harris transferring to Indiana following a disappointing 2025 season in which he surrendered 23 receptions on 25 targets (per PFF), the door is wide open for Dixson to retain the starting role he stepped into late last year.
The rising sophomore turned heads during his true freshman season and carries significant momentum into the fall, highlighted by an impressive spring session where he intercepted quarterback Connor Barry during the Blue-White Practice.
“He’s a guy that’s important to our future, and he continues to make big play after big play,” Smith said last November. “The moment’s not too big for him. He’s a super mature kid,”
In the slot, Zion Tracy returns to man the starting nickel corner position, though the Nittany Lions are expected to employ fewer 4-2-5 looks this year. Tracy brings valuable coverage speed and system familiarity to the lineup, giving the Nittany Lions a highly reliable option inside when the defense matches up against spread looks.
“I think Zion Tracy is one of the best players I’ve ever coached, to be quite honest with you … I think Zion can be one of the best corners in the county,” head coach Matt Campbell said in the spring.
Behind him, Kenny Woseley will continue to develop and provide depth at the nickel spot, according to early feedback.
While the starting trio looks locked down, the Nittany Lions spent the offseason building much-needed competitive depth to buffer against the loss of Elliot Washington II, who departed to Clemson after logging 256 defensive snaps last season.
Jahmir Joseph is expected to step directly into a premier rotational role after seeing an increased workload late last season, which included extensive snaps in the Pinstripe Bowl. Additionally, Syracuse transfer Ibn McDaniels arrives to add power-conference experience and length to the boundary rotation, though his playing time has been very limited.
