Penn State to welcome legend back to Happy Valley as ESPN and Oregon arrive for massive Big Ten showdown

Arrington’s college football career at Penn State was nothing short of legendary. A native of Pittsburgh, Arrington arrived in Happy Valley in 1997 as one of the most heralded recruits in the country. Though he didn’t see game action his freshman year, he quickly made up for lost time, becoming a dominant force on defense in 1998 and 1999.

Arrington’s sophomore season in 1998 was his breakout year. He recorded 65 tackles, seven sacks, and two interceptions, helping lead Penn State to a 9-3 record and an Outback Bowl victory. His combination of speed, power, and instinct made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

But it was in 1999 that Arrington truly cemented his place in college football history. That season, he elevated his game to an elite level, earning national recognition and a slew of awards. He finished with more tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss than the previous year, and added an interception, a forced fumble, and two blocked kicks to his stat line.

One play in particular defined Arrington’s college legacy—the “LaVar Leap.” In a game against Illinois, Arrington timed the snap perfectly and leapt over the offensive line to stop the runner in the backfield on a crucial fourth down. The play became iconic, symbolizing his athleticism and football IQ. His ability to make game-changing plays like that turned him into a household name and even earned him a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 1999 College Football Preview.

By the end of the 1999 season, Penn State had compiled a 10-3 record and dominantly won the Alamo Bowl. Arrington’s individual accolades included the Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player), the Dick Butkus Award (top linebacker), and the Lambert Award. He was also a unanimous All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting—an impressive feat for a defensive player.

Arrington left Penn State after his junior year to enter the NFL Draft, where he was selected second overall in 2000. His impact on the Nittany Lions program was profound.

He brought national attention to Penn State’s defense, inspired future recruits, and set a standard for linebacker play that few have matched. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022 was a fitting tribute to a career that helped define an era of Penn State football.