Penn State's Matt Campbell Sees Lavar Arrington II as Impact Player

Nittany Lions coach expects sophomore linebacker to make big strides in Year 2.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:48pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a Penn State football player making a tackle, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, white, and green conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.Penn State's coaching staff believes sophomore linebacker Lavar Arrington II is poised for a breakout season as he builds on his impressive freshman campaign.State College Today

Penn State head football coach Matt Campbell is high on sophomore linebacker Lavar Arrington II, the son of former Nittany Lions star Lavar Arrington, and believes the young player will make a significant impact on the team's defense in his second season.

Why it matters

Lavar Arrington II is the son of a Penn State legend, and the coaching staff's high expectations for his development could signal a bright future for the program's linebacker corps.

The details

Arrington II played in all 12 games as a freshman last season, making 27 tackles. Coach Campbell said the young linebacker has shown impressive growth and maturity, and the coaching staff expects him to take on a larger role and become a key contributor to the defense in 2026.

  • Lavar Arrington II played in all 12 games as a freshman in 2025.
  • The 2026 season will be Lavar Arrington II's sophomore year at Penn State.

The players

Matt Campbell

The head football coach at Penn State University.

Lavar Arrington II

A sophomore linebacker at Penn State University and the son of former Nittany Lions star Lavar Arrington.

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What they’re saying

“Lavar Arrington II has shown great growth and maturity, and we expect him to take on a bigger role and be an impact player for our defense this season.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Football Coach, Penn State University

The takeaway

With high expectations for Lavar Arrington II's development, Penn State's linebacker corps could be a strength for the team in the 2026 season as the young player looks to follow in his father's footsteps.