Penn State football players Tony Rojas and Trebor Peña were named to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award watch list, the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame (HFHOF) announced Wednesday.

The HFHOF is a new nonprofit organization founded by NFL legends Ron Rivera and Anthony Muñoz that is dedicated to preserving Hispanic football history. The inaugural award aims to recognize college football’s most outstanding player of Hispanic ancestry.

Rojas was off to a solid start at linebacker in 2025 with 25 total tackles and two sacks through four games before suffering a long-term injury in the week following Penn State’s loss to Oregon. He is Penn State’s second-leading tackler after fellow starter Amare Campbell.

Peña has shown flashes in Penn State’s offense with his running ability. The Syracuse transfer has recorded 182 yards on 15 receptions with one touchdown in 2025 while adding 68 yards on eight attempts on the ground.

Other Big Ten players on the watch list include USC offensive lineman Micah Bañuelos and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

An award presentation date and location is to be determined.

About the Author

Oscar Orellana

Oscar is a third-year broadcast journalism student from Los Angeles. He's probably at the movies. He mostly writes about Penn State football. Email him at oscar@onwardstate.com.

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