NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
Is a Legacy Returning To Penn State?
When LaVar Arrington II steps onto the field at Beaver Stadium in 2025, it won’t just be another freshman debut—it’ll be a moment steeped in legacy, pride, and sky-high expectations. The son of Penn State legend LaVar Arrington, a College Football Hall of Famer and the original architect of the Nittany Lions’ iconic No. 11 tradition, Arrington II is set to don the same number his father made famous. For Penn State fans, this is more than a jersey assignment; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch at “Linebacker U,” a program synonymous with elite defensive playmakers.
The elder Arrington’s tenure from 1997 to 1999 redefined what it meant to wear No. 11. With his explosive athleticism, relentless motor, and flair for game-changing plays—like the famous “LaVar Leap”—he turned the number into a badge of honor for Penn State’s most dynamic linebackers. Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter, both recent No. 11 wearers, continued that tradition, becoming NFL stars and projected top draft picks, respectively. Now, LaVar Arrington II inherits this mantle as a true freshman, a rare move that signals both confidence in his potential and the weight of his family name.
So, what should we expect from Arrington II on the field in 2025? As a four-star recruit from Charter Oak High School in California, he brings a versatile skill set that echoes his father’s. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he’s a lean, athletic specimen with room to grow. In high school, he racked up 65 tackles, 12 sacks, and nine quarterback hurries as a junior, showcasing a blend of speed, power, and pass-rushing ability. Analysts note his twitchy athleticism and edge-rushing prowess, though he’ll need to adapt to playing off the ball as a traditional linebacker in Penn State’s scheme.
Early glimpses from spring practices in 2025 have already drawn buzz, with his speed and physicality turning heads. While he may not start immediately, Penn State’s linebacker corps is deep with talent like Tony Rojas—he’s poised to carve out a role as a situational pass rusher or special teams contributor as a freshman, with an eye toward a breakout in future seasons.
For the 2025 Penn State team, expectations are lofty. Coming off a strong 2024 campaign that included a Big Ten Championship appearance and a College Football Playoff berth, the Nittany Lions are reloading, NOT rebuilding. The defense, a perennial strength under head coach James Franklin, will blend returning veterans with a highly touted 2025 recruiting class ranked in the top 15 nationally. Arrington II joins fellow four-star linebackers Alex Tatsch and Cam Smith, bolstering a unit that could dominate for years.
Offensively, quarterback Drew Allar’s development and a retooled passing game will determine how far this team can go—potentially back to the playoff or even a national title contention. For Arrington II, wearing No. 11 isn’t just about living up to his father’s legacy; it’s about adding his own chapter to Penn State’s storied tradition. The stage is set for something special in Happy Valley. Until next time #WeAre
