At cornerback, Penn State will need to replace Jalen Kimber, who declared for the [NFL Draft](https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft) after the 2024 season. Fortunately for Terry Smith, his cornerback room is arguably the deepest on Penn State’s entire defense.
**The Starters**
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**AJ Harris (JR)**
While the battle for the other starting spot to replace Kimber will be interesting to watch, AJ Harris is a lock to start in the fall. Harris was named third-team All-Big Ten last season and is poised to take another step forward in 2025. In 2024, he recorded one interception, 48 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups.
**Elliot Washington (JR)**
Washington is a rising star in the cornerback room, and his performance during winter and spring workouts has turned some heads:
He appeared in 14 games last season, recording 26 tackles and an interception against West Virginia. The competition for the other starting spot alongside AJ Harris is ongoing, but as of today, Washington appears to be an early favorite.
**Key Reserves/Co-Starters**
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**Zion Tracy (JR)**
Zion Tracy had nearly 400 snaps in the 2024 season, the most of any returning cornerback except for AJ Harris. In 2024, he had 35 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions, most notably a pick-six in the first quarter against [Ohio State](https://www.landgrantholyland.com).
**Audavion Collins (R-JR)**
Audavion Collins appeared in every game last season, making 26 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception on 251 snaps. Along with Tracy, his progression in the offseason will be key for bolstering the depth at cornerback behind Harris and Washington.
**In the Mix**
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**Jon Mitchell (R-FR)**
After redshirting in 2024, Mitchell has a shot to earn more playing time this season. He was named the special teams player of the game by the coaching staff against SMU. His role will likely expand coming off his redshirt season, but he is unlikely to crack the top 4 this year.
**Daryus Dixon (FR)**
A top-100 prospect in the 2025 cycle, Daryus Dixon certainly has a bright future at Penn State. Given the experience of the players ahead of him on the depth chart, he has a lot of work to do to crack the starting rotation.
**Tyler Armstead (R-FR)**
A former walk-on, Tyler Armstead did not appear in a game last season. With the depth Penn State has at cornerback, he is unlikely to see much playing time on defense in 2025, but he could be a factor on special teams.
**Kenny Woseley Jr. (R-FR)**
Woseley Jr. made 5 tackles last season in 4 games in his redshirt season. He certainly has a chance to expand his role on defense this season, but he is more likely to compete for a top 4 spot in 2026.