Penn State defender to return this spring after prolonged absence, per report

Penn State football returns to the gridiron to kick off spring practice a week from Tuesday. When spring workouts begin on March 25, the Nittany Lions defense is expected to welcome back a rising young defender who spent the entire 2024 season on the sidelines.

According to a report from Lions247’s Tyler Donohue on Monday, redshirt junior linebacker Keon Wylie is expected to be a full participant for spring ball. Wylie missed all of his redshirt sophomore season with an undisclosed injury.

The Philadelphia native was pushing for a more substantial role on the Penn State defense this time last year before it was revealed last May that he had suffered a significant injury. He did return to the practice field last November but was still withheld from game action.

“[His] timeline [for return], really just whenever he feels like he’s ready to go and the trainers and doctors feel like he’s ready to go, but he is getting closer,” James Franklin said then. “Guy that we were really excited about coming into the season before the injury. So having him back would be helpful on defense and on special teams.”

Wylie can carve out role on Penn State defense in 2025

Penn State football linebacker Keon Wylie. © David Reginek-Imagn Images.

Wylie appeared in all 13 games during the 2023 season, recording 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He appeared in three games as a true freshman, earning the program’s development squad player of the year honors. The Imhotep Charter graduate was the No. 13 prospect in the state for the 2022 cycle.

Entering 2025, Wylie will once again be in a position to push for a significant role within the Nittany Lions defense. Penn State football returns starters Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas at linebacker but lost veteran Kobe King to the NFL. In addition to a wave of younger linebackers like Dakaari Nelson, Ta’Mere Robinson, Kari Jackson, and Anthony Speca who will all compete for time, Penn State also welcomed freshmen Alex Tatsch and LaVar Arrington II to the program this winter.

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