Penn State cornerback Daryus Dixson set to return to the Lions in 2026

One of Penn State’s most impactful freshmen during the 2025 season, cornerback Daryus Dixson, will be back with the Nittany Lions in 2026.

A native of Perris, Calif., Dixson was the only freshman to play in all 12 games for the Nittany Lions this past season. During nonconference play, he played between 20 to 30 snaps in all three games at cornerback, but did eventually see his playing time on defense diminish during the first half of conference play.

However, that changed in the final four games of the season and Dixson took advantage of the opportunity, totaling 16 of his 22 total tackles in those final four games. For the season, he also had two tackles for loss, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack.

“Daryus is playing extremely well,” interim head coach Terry Smith said following the game against Michigan State. “He played the most snaps of any corner on the team, which is a tribute to him really coming into his own…He continues to make big play after big play. The moment’s not too big for him. He’s a super mature kid.”

Throughout his recruitment, the Mater Dei prospect totaled more than 30 scholarship offers. He took an official visit to Washington in June and was planning to check out Tennessee but ended up canceling that trip after committing to Penn State. Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Oklahoma and USC all hosted him for multiple unofficial visits.

According to the Industry Rankings, Dixson was a four-star prospect coming out of high school. He was ranked No. 158 nationally, 24th overall at cornerback and No. 14 in California in the 2025 class.

Who has announced that they will be back at Penn State in 2026?

OT Anthony Donkoh
OG Cooper Cousins
OT Owen Aliciene
TE Andrew Rappleyea
S Dejuan Lane
LB Tony Rojas
DE Max Granville
WR Koby Howard

Planned transfer portal entries when it opens on Jan. 2

TE Joey Schlaffer
OG Alex Birchmeier
WR Aaron Enterline
WR Anthony Ivey
QB Bekkem Kritza
CB Elliot Washington II
DE Chaz Coleman
CB AJ Harris
LB Kari Jackson
DE Daniel Jennings
DE Zuriah Fisher
LB Keon Wylie
WR Kaden Saunders
DT Xavier Gilliam
DT Sam Siafa
DB Braz Thomas
LB Anthony Speca
DE Jaylen Harvey
OL TJ Shanahan
TE Luke Reynolds
WR Jeff Exinor
OL J’Ven Williams
QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
WR Josiah Brown