Rocco Nicholl brings veteran punch and MAC-recognized value to Kent State’s linebacker room
In 2026, Rocco Nicholl returns to Kent State as a redshirt senior and second-team Athlon Sports Preseason All-MAC linebacker, giving the Flashes a proven, high-floor tackler with leadership chops[1][2]. He posted 61 tackles in the 2024 season at Kent State, after 18 tackles in 2023 and 8 in 2022, and Kent State’s staff says he has “led this team by example” and is trusted in their defense[1][3][4]. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he looks like a sturdy, experienced fit for a team that wants physicality, communication, and a steady presence in the middle[1][2].
