Penn State fans probably don't want to hear the word turnover too often in the context of the 2026 team. However, this weekend, they may have to go back to being accustomed to it. After a clean game against Purdue last weekend, they now face one of the Big Ten's best units in terms of turning the ball over. The leader of the unit may just be someone Penn State has to keep an eye on for the entire game simply because his presence alone is fearsome.
Alex McLaughlin was not always one of the Big Ten's best defenders. He had to work his way up the college football ladder, starting out at Northern Arizona, where he quickly made a name for himself. he led the team in tackles as a true freshman with 76 and added four interceptions. He further upped
those totals as a sophomore, with 96 total tackles, two interceptions, and 5.5 sacks. So when he came to Washington it was only a matter of time before he became a star.
This season, he is the Huskies' leading tacker with 57 total already. He also is tied for the team lead in sacks, TFLs and interceptions this season as well. As further proof of his elite resume, McLaughlin was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week this week after a game clinching pick six in Washington's win over Nebraska. It was his first ever time winning the award and it may not be the last before this year is up.
McLaughlin is perhaps the closest thing Penn State will get to a Swiss Army Knife defender in the back half of their schedule. Because of his agility around the line of scrimmage, the Nittany Lions will have to be wary of when he could potentially be sent on blitzes or to stuff the run in certain situations. It will be interesting to see if the blue and white continue to lean heavily on the run game with several key offensive absences. They just have to be aware McLaughlin won't make it easy on them.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Washington safety brings unique qualities to Penn State matchup
