In a significant announcement for the Penn State football team, veteran cornerback Zion Tracy is set to return for his final year of eligibility. As the team gears up for the 2026 season, the cornerback roster appears to be quite robust, with several key players returning to the fold. Recently, fellow cornerbacks Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson expressed their commitment to come back as well, and now they will be joined by Zion Tracy, who shared his decision on social media platforms.
Zion Tracy, a rising senior, has one year left to play and has made a notable impact on the team. This past season, he started in nine games as the nickel back, where he demonstrated his skills by recording 32 tackles, including five tackles for loss. Additionally, he contributed with two pass breakups, a sack, and even forced a fumble. Since joining the team in the Class of 2023 without taking a redshirt year, Tracy has participated in 40 games and has earned 13 starting positions. Over his career, he has tallied two interceptions, both achieved during the 2024 season, with one notably occurring in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State.
It's worth noting that Tracy was unable to participate in spring practice in 2025 due to an offseason procedure aimed at addressing lingering injuries following the Nittany Lions’ playoff journey. Beyond his role at cornerback, Tracy has also been active in special teams since his freshman year, even stepping up as the primary punt returner in the latter part of the 2024 season.
Looking ahead to 2026, Penn State’s cornerback unit is set to be particularly seasoned. With the return of Collins, Dixson, and now Tracy, the team will benefit from a total of 24 potential starts out of a maximum of 39 across their three cornerback positions. However, it’s important to note that veteran corners AJ Harris and Elliot Washington have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal before the Pinstripe Bowl. Harris had a significant role on the team, starting in 11 games during 2025. The coaching staff is also awaiting updates regarding freshmen cornerbacks Xxavier Thomas and Josh Johnson, who are critical to the team’s future.
At the center of this cornerback group is interim head coach Terry Smith, who was previously responsible for coaching the cornerbacks before stepping into the head coaching position following James Franklin's departure in October. Smith emphasized the importance of players like Tracy in helping him understand the nuances of leading the Penn State football program. He reflected on his experience at the end of the regular season, stating, "It taught me that I know I can truly do this job. It taught me patience and the significance of one of the biggest roles in college football. It emphasized my special connection with my players and the need to build upon that bond moving forward in my coaching career.
Smith further explained his philosophy on trust, stating, "I always tell recruits that I will extend my trust to them first so that they can reciprocate. Trust is something that must be earned, which is why my players care about me and show their affection. For instance, when I correct Zion Tracy, he understands it comes from a place of love, and that's where our connection lies. I truly appreciate these athletes; they put in an incredible amount of effort, and I couldn’t ask for more from them."
