Penn State Targets USC DC DAnton Lynn for Staff Role

Penn State is reportedly targeting USC defensive coordinator DAnton Lynn for its vacant defensive coordinator position as new head coach Matt Campbell assembles his staff for the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old Lynn, who played cornerback at Penn State from 2008 to 2011 and earned three All-Big Ten honorable mention selections, would return to his alma mater if the move materializes. Reports of Penn State's interest surfaced this week, prompting USC to cancel Lynn's scheduled media availability on Thursday. He was observed leaving practice the following day but did not address the speculation.

Lynn has transformed struggling defenses in his two years leading USC's unit. In 2023, before his arrival, the Trojans ranked near the bottom nationally in scoring defense, allowing 34.4 points per game. Under Lynn in 2024 and 2025, that figure dropped to 22.4 points per game, with the team ranking 47th in total defense and 12th in red zone efficiency this season. The unit recorded 28 sacks, fifth-most in the Big Ten, and held conference opponents Michigan, Nebraska and Iowa to just 51 points combined across three wins.

Prior to USC, Lynn spent one season as UCLA's defensive coordinator in...