Locked On Nittany Lions - Daily Podcast On Penn State Nittany Lions Football & Basketball

Penn State fans were caught off guard when five-star running back commit Kemon Spell announced he’ll take multiple unofficial visits this fall — including to Ohio State and Notre Dame. Host Zach Seyko breaks down what this means for PSU’s 2027 class and whether Spell’s commitment is truly in jeopardy. Then, Zach explains why Fox’s Joel Klatt believes Penn State has the blueprint to win a national championship in 2025 — and how PSU stacks up with recent winners like Michigan and Ohio State. Finally, a controversial ESPN list ranks James Franklin as the No. 4 coach in college football. Is that too...

Penn State returns one of the best backfields in the country with Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, and Kaytron Allen — but who will back them up in 2025? Host Zach Seyko breaks down the top position battles in training camp, including QB2 (Jaxon Smolik vs. Ethan Grunkemeyer), RB3 (Quinton Martin vs. Corey Smith), tight end depth, and crucial competitions on the offensive line and in the secondary. From right guard to slot corner to backup defensive end, this episode covers all the key decisions James Franklin and his staff must make before the Nittany Lions take the field.

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Penn State is off to a blazing start for its 2027 recruiting class — and may have just landed the next Saquon Barkley. Host Zach Seyko and recruiting insider Brian Smith break down the commitment of Kemon Spell, a top-10 overall player and No. 1 running back in the country, plus elite WR Khalil Taylor and offensive lineman Layton Von Brandt. Then, the conversation shifts to breaking national news: Donald Trump’s executive order to stop NIL collectives. Will it work? Could it destabilize or save college football? The guys close by discussing the future of recruiting, NIL strategy, and Penn State’s next...

Penn State wrestling’s biggest offseason question may revolve around world-class freshman Masanosuke Ono — and whether he redshirts in his first year. In this episode, Zach Seyko breaks down why the Nittany Lions may want to preserve a year of eligibility depending on what the NCAA decides, how redshirting affects the projected lineup at 133 and 141 pounds, and what this means for stars like Marcus Blaze, Braeden Davis, and Aaron Nagao. If Ono gets two full years to compete, he could start immediately. If not, expect a reshuffle. Zach walks through all the scenarios and makes early predictions for Penn Stat...

In this bonus episode of Locked On Nittany Lions, host Zach Seyko breaks down James Franklin's Big Ten Media Days revelations, including Drew Allar's 10-pound weight loss for enhanced mobility and dual-threat potential, boosting Penn State's offense under Andy Kotelnicki. Explore the program's record-breaking $164.9 million fundraising haul and its NIL implications amid the House settlement uncertainty, plus Franklin's praise for his best-ever personnel, including top coordinators Jim Knowles and Kotelnicki. Essential insights for Nittany Lions fans on championship aspirations and the evolving college football landscape – subscribe for daily Penn State updates!

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Join host Zach Seyko and special guest Landon Tengwall, former Penn State player and college football analyst, for a special on-the-road edition of Locked On Nittany Lions! Dive into the burning questions surrounding Penn State's 2025 football season, including national title expectations, strengths like the elite run game and coaching staff, potential pitfalls such as injuries and the passing game, Drew Allar's Heisman chances, backup QB battles, breakout players, and toughest non-Big Ten foes like Clemson and Texas. Packed with rapid-fire debates on James Franklin's legacy, Jim Knowles' defense, and playoff scenarios – essential listening for Nittany Lions fans eyeing a ch...

Join hosts Matt Sheehan from Locked On Spartans and Zach Seyko from Locked On Nittany Lions for an exciting crossover episode previewing the 2025 Penn State vs. Michigan State football clash! Dive into whether this late-November matchup could be a trap game for the Nittany Lions amid their brutal schedule, Penn State's national title aspirations, roster strengths, and transfer portal wins. Hear insights on key players like Nick Marsh, Aiden Chiles, Drew Allar, and the impact of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Plus, discussions on over/under win totals, Heisman odds, and even a nod to Big Ten hockey recruiting...

Incoming true freshman Nate Desmond joins the show to talk about his early days on campus, why Penn State felt like home, and how the star-studded Class of 2025 has already built championship chemistry. Desmond also opens up about his wrestling journey—from struggling early to becoming one of the nation’s top lightweights—and shares insights on mindset, goals, and what it’s like training alongside elite talent like Marcus Blaze and Masanosuke Ono. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with one of the Nittany Lions’ most exciting newcomers.

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Penn State’s offense has the potential to reach new heights this season — but only if the passing attack holds up. Host Zach Seyko dives into the two major issues that could derail Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions: developing chemistry with new receivers and avoiding another wave of injuries. Zach breaks down the top names at wide receiver and tight end, highlights breakout candidates like Tyseer Denmark and Koby Howard, and explains why Luke Reynolds might become a star. This is your complete overview of Penn State’s pass-catching depth chart ahead of fall camp.

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Big Ten takes a stand against SEC's 8-game schedule. Will this reshape college football's landscape?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad dissect the conference's bold move, demanding SEC alignment for playoff expansion. The hosts analyze Indiana's controversial non-conference schedule changes and debate Ohio State's projected 10.5-win total. Key discussions include the impact of road games, particularly Ohio State's trip to Wisconsin, and the push for scheduling uniformity across major conferences.

Can the Big Ten force the SEC's hand? Will Indiana's scheduling decisions backfire? Tune in for expert insights on these pivotal issues...

Penn State’s 2025 win total is set at 10.5 — and host Zach Seyko is confidently taking the over. In this solo episode, Zach goes game-by-game through the Nittany Lions' schedule and explains why PSU will be favored in at least 11 games. He lays out the case for why Oregon and Ohio State are the only true threats, but also dives into trap game potential from Indiana, UCLA, Iowa, and Nebraska. Zach finishes with a strong argument that Penn State is better positioned than Ohio State this season due to its coordinator duo (Jim Knowles and Andy Kotelnicki), experience at quarterback, and...

In this crossover episode of Locked On Nittany Lions and Locked On ACC, Zach Seyko is joined by Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs to preview a possible College Football Playoff showdown between Penn State and one of the ACC’s top contenders. They debate whether Clemson or Miami is a bigger threat to Penn State’s national title hopes, what makes Penn State a complete team in 2025, and the one position group that could be its downfall. The second half of the show dives into a fiery quarterback debate: Drew Allar vs Cade Klubnik vs Carson Beck vs Kevin Jenn...

Penn State lost out on many of its top 2026 recruiting targets — but the story isn’t over. In this crossover episode, Zach Seyko and recruiting analyst Brian Smith break down which prospects could flip back to the Nittany Lions, including five-star Zion Elee. They explore the real reasons Roseby Lubintus flipped to Syracuse, and why Carter Gooden chose UCLA — and why neither decision may be final. They also spotlight realistic flip candidates from Rutgers and Virginia Tech. Finally, they explain how the new NIL Clearinghouse rules starting August 1 could shake up the recruiting landscape and create new opportunities for Penn S...

Penn State’s 2025 football roster might be the deepest James Franklin has ever had — and it could be good enough to win a national title. In this episode, Zach Seyko goes position by position to break down the projected depth chart heading into fall camp. From Drew Allar’s return at quarterback to the battle for QB2 between Jaxon Smolik and Ethan Grunkemeyer, there’s talent and experience across the board. Zach looks at the five-deep running back room, how three veteran wide receivers will step into starting roles, and why Luke Reynolds could have a breakout year at tight en...

Penn State men’s basketball was projected to finish dead last in the Big Ten… but with four new international players and a promising young core, that narrative may change fast.

Zach Seyko is joined by the voice of Penn State basketball, Steve Jones, for a deep dive into:

- The complete roster transformation under Mike Rhoades

- The arrival of international professionals and the mystery surrounding their upside

- Why Kaden Mingo could be a future star — and maybe even a one-and-done talent

- The importance of a health...

Landon Sidun is only a high school junior — but he’s already one of the top wrestling recruits in the country.

In this Locked On Nittany Lions exclusive, host Zach Seyko sits down with the top 3 national prospect from Norwin High School (PA) to discuss:

- What it’s like being recruited by Penn State, Iowa, and Oklahoma State

- Why Cale Sanderson and Penn State’s dominance make a lasting impression

- His goals to win NCAA and Olympic gold — and how he’s already preparing

- How Pennsylvania...

Big Ten football shakeup: NIL chaos, PJ Fleck's extension, and Penn State's title hopes. Can the Nittany Lions go undefeated in 2023?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad dissect the August 1st NIL deadline's potential impact on college football. The hosts debate PJ Fleck's controversial contract extension at Minnesota, questioning if it rewards mediocrity or secures long-term stability. Penn State's upcoming season takes center stage as the panel analyzes their 10.5 win total projection and key matchups against Ohio State and Oregon.

Will fake NIL deals be exposed? Is this Penn State's year to...

It’s official: Gavin McKenna, the most anticipated hockey prospect since Connor Bedard, Connor McDavid, and Sidney Crosby, is coming to Penn State.

Zach Seyko and Eric Ohlson break down:

- Why McKenna’s commitment is a seismic moment not just for PSU, but for the entire NCAA

- The ripple effects on the team, the Big Ten, and the NHL pipeline

- Who might be next: Porter Martone and Michael Misa are both in play

- Why some insiders are saying this is “bad” for college hockey — and why that r...

Penn State missed on nearly every priority target in the 2026 class — but the story goes deeper than just NIL. In this crossover episode, Zach Seyko (Locked On Nittany Lions) and Brian Smith (Locked On Recruiting/Portal) break down:

- Why PSU lost out on names like Joey O'Brien, Khary Adams, Luke Wafle, and Carter Meadows

- What makes Notre Dame and Michigan more successful right now on the recruiting trail

- The truth about Penn State’s NIL strategy — and how it emphasizes roster retention over splashy high school offers

- Names...

Is Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class really that bad? Zach Seyko breaks down the facts, the panic, and the truth behind Penn State’s underwhelming 2026 recruiting cycle. Did James Franklin and his staff truly “miss” on every top target? Was it NIL? Stadium renovations? Or is this all just a massive overreaction? Plus, we dive into how Penn State can still salvage this class, which prospects they might flip, and why 2027 might actually prove this dip is just a one-time blip.

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Penn State may have 25 commitments in the 2026 class, but recruiting is far from over. In this episode of Locked On Nittany Lions, Zach Seyko breaks down the top flip targets Penn State is actively pursuing — from Michigan commits like Dorian Barney and Carter Meadows to in-state Rutgers pledges like Elias Coke, Wydeek Collier, and Tavian Branch. Plus, could the Nittany Lions actually pull off a long shot flip of Zion Elee, a top-10 EDGE nationally?

Zach also outlines the remaining “needs vs. wants” for Penn State’s 2026 class and answers the big question: Will Penn State fall out of t...

Penn State just added another blue-chip defender to the 2026 class. Four-star defensive end Tyson Harley commits to the Nittany Lions after dominating at Gonzaga (D.C.), where he lined up opposite Michigan commit Carter Meadows.

In today’s episode, Zach Seyko breaks down Harley’s scouting report, strengths, and what makes him a relentless edge rusher with sky-high upside. Plus, a full breakdown of Penn State’s defensive line recruiting under Deion Barnes: from overlooked gems like Isaac Chukwurah to camp standout Alex Haskell, this 2026 group could be the deepest D-line haul in recent memory.

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Penn State adds another towering piece to its future offensive line with the commitment of 6’7, 280-pound OT Marlon Bright, a top-5 player in New Jersey and On3 Top 225 prospect nationally. In this episode, Zach Seyko breaks down what makes Bright a potential impact starter by Year 3, his strengths, areas for growth, and why his commitment fits perfectly into Phil Trautwein’s long-term offensive line strategy.

Plus, a deep dive into the entire 2026 OL recruiting class, including future star Kevin Brown, underrated interior force Benjamin Eziuka, athletic freak Jack Fuchs, and developmental prospect Roseby Lubintus. Find out why Penn...

Penn State just lost another elite recruit. Five-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho, a Maryland native and major target for the Nittany Lions, committed to Oregon — and it reflects a concerning pattern. On this July 4th edition of Locked On Nittany Lions, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- Why Penn State keeps missing in high-profile recruiting battles

- The true impact of NIL — and how PSU’s structure may be holding them back

- Why fans shouldn’t panic — Penn State’s quiet wins might surprise you

Zach pulls back the curtain on recruiting politics, do...

Penn State may not be throwing around $1M NIL deals — but they’re still finding ways to win key recruiting battles.

In this Locked On Crossover, Zach Seyko and Brian Smith break down:

- The standout summer camp performances from commits like Kevin Brown and targets like Maxwell Hiller

- What to expect on July 5, with 4⭐️ edge Tyson Harley and 3⭐️ OT Marlon Bright set to commit

- A deep dive into Penn State’s NIL strategy: how they compete without overpaying — and why it costs them elite defensive tackles

- A final look a...

Big Ten football power rankings spark heated debate. Is Penn State truly the top dog, or will Ohio State reclaim their throne?

Spencer McLaughlin and his all-star panel dissect the conference's hierarchy, with USC's placement igniting fierce discussion. Mark Culkin makes a bold case for the Trojans' ascent, while others question their readiness. The crew also analyzes Washington's potential dark horse status and Indiana's win total prediction for the upcoming season.

Key topics include defensive improvements, quarterback performances, and the impact of challenging schedules on team success. Jacob Goins and Craig Sheeman offer optimistic outlooks...

Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class is underwhelming — and that might be by design.

Zach Seyko and guest Pat Koerbler (Black Shoe Diaries) explore the uncomfortable reality of NIL in college football and how Penn State’s emphasis on roster retention may have cost them top-tier recruits.

They cover:

- The trade-off: keep Drew Allar, Singleton, Allen… or land a 5-star DB?

- Why PSU keeps losing recruiting battles to Notre Dame and Michigan

- The real NIL problem — is it the location, the boosters, or James Franklin?

- Why 2025...

Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class isn’t bad — it’s misunderstood.

In today’s episode, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- Why 4⭐️ OL Kevin Brown is already a 5-star in everything but name

- The underrated players (like Jahsiear Roger) poised for major rankings jumps

- How Notre Dame and Michigan raided Pennsylvania — and why Penn State let them

- Why PSU’s NIL focus on roster retention explains many of these losses

- Which prospects are expected to commit on July 5, including OT Marlen Bright and DE Tyson Harley

Peyton Falzone’s flip to Auburn just triggered a quarterback ripple effect in Happy Valley.

In this episode, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- Why Penn State may be forced to dip into the transfer portal for a QB — a move James Franklin has never had to make

- The real impact of losing Falzone and what it means for the 2026 depth chart

- The current QB battle between Jaxon Smolik and Ethan Grunkemeyer

- Why Drew Aller is not a Heisman candidate — and why that’s perfectly fine

- What...

Penn State is a heavy favorite against Indiana this season, but should they be worried about a letdown?

In this Locked On crossover, Zach Seyko (Locked On Nittany Lions) and Jacob Goins (Locked On Hoosiers) preview one of the most underrated games on the 2025 Big Ten schedule: Penn State vs Indiana in early November.

They discuss:

- Why Indiana might be the perfect trap game after PSU faces Ohio State

- Curt Cignetti’s rapid rebuild and why last year’s success wasn’t a fluke

- How Penn State...

No one saw it coming. Not Penn State. Not Auburn. Not even recruiting insiders.

4-star QB Peyton Falzone flipped his commitment from Penn State to Auburn with almost no warning, and in this Locked On crossover episode, Zach Seyko (PSU) and Zac Blackerby (Auburn) unpack:

- Why the flip shocked both fan bases and insiders alike

- How NIL and immediate opportunity played key roles

- What Falzone’s path was at Penn State — and why Auburn’s pitch won

- His athleticism, raw talent, and long-term development upside

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Penn State just added a literal wall to its offensive line.

In this bonus episode, Zach Seyko reacts to the commitment of Jack Fuchs, a 6’8, 290-pound offensive tackle out of Tennessee who becomes the 22nd commit in the 2026 class. Fuchs has massive upside and a long-term development path — and may remind some fans of another towering lineman: Nolan Rucci.

Also covered:

- Why Fuchs fits Penn State’s “transformational” philosophy

- Why this was a calculated risk, not just a size-based take

- The importance of Trautwein’s development plan

...

Penn State landed a much-needed recruiting win with 4⭐️ edge rusher Jackson Ford, fending off Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin to get him.

In this episode, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- What Jackson Ford brings to Penn State’s 2026 defensive front

- How he fills a massive void after Daniel Jennings reclassified

- The full DE/DT outlook including Isaac Chukwurah, Alex Haskell, and Tyson Harley

- How Ford’s commitment resets momentum after major losses to Notre Dame and Michigan

- Why the 2026 class can still finish in the t...

Penn State just suffered one of the most lopsided recruiting stretches in recent memory — but the class isn’t dead yet.

In this Locked On Crossover with recruiting expert Brian Smith, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- Why Notre Dame and Michigan combined to take 10+ mutual targets

- How NIL, positional stacking, and roster retention shaped PSU’s strategy

- Why Jackson Ford and Tyson Harley are big-time bounce-back wins

- The looming impact of 2027 — and the current stability in PSU’s class

- How retention (not just commitment...

Penn State recruiting takes a hit as 2026 QB Peyton Falzone flips to Auburn. Is this a sign of deeper issues for the Nittany Lions' football program?

Zach Seyko breaks down the surprising decommitment, analyzing Falzone's potential impact and the ripple effects on Penn State's quarterback room. The discussion covers the challenges facing Penn State's recruiting efforts, including NIL concerns and competition from other powerhouse programs. Sako explores the future of the Nittany Lions' QB depth, examining the roles of Drew Allar, Jaxon Smolik, and Ethan Grunkemeyer.

Tune in for an in-depth look at Penn State's...

Big Ten flexes its muscles against SEC scheduling. Is a nine-game conference slate the future of college football?

Spencer McLaughlin and fellow Locked On hosts tackle the Big Ten vs SEC scheduling debate, predicting Illinois' football win total, and dissecting potential NCAA tournament expansion. The crew analyzes Brett Bielema's bold stance on conference parity and debates the merits of a 76-team March Madness field. Key matchups for Illinois, including showdowns with Ohio State and Washington, take center stage as the hosts weigh in on the Illini's chances for a breakout season.

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Penn State took some gut punches from Notre Dame — but that battle is over. Now Michigan is the new threat on the recruiting trail.

In this episode, Zach Seyko breaks down:

- How Michigan could land Marky Walbridge, Dorian Barney, and Travis Johnson

- Why Carter Meadows is likely headed elsewhere — and what PSU’s NIL ceiling really is

- Why 2026 isn’t a lost class, and how 2027 is already trending up

- The impact of Pierce Petersohn’s commitment, and why Penn State is still Tight End U

- A f...

Penn State just landed a commitment from a freak athlete who’s never played tight end — and we think he could be the next Tyler Warren. In this bonus episode, Zach Seyko breaks down what makes Pierce Petersohn so special, why Penn State took him as a tight end despite his QB background, and how the staff sees him as a high-ceiling, long-term project.

Also covered: The Minnesota flip: how PSU won the battle, redshirt plans, weight gain goals, and Peterson’s timeline, a full update on PSU’s recruiting hot streak — and cold snaps, new projections for Tyson...

Bo Bassett is back on the market — and now Penn State is in the driver’s seat. In this episode, Zach Seyko explains why Coach Cael Sanderson absolutely wants Bo Bassett, why Iowa blew it, and how this commitment could anchor the Nittany Lions’ dynasty for the next decade. Also covered in this episode: Bassett’s ranking & fit in PSU’s style, the ripple effect for Melvin Miller and Keegan Bassett, why Iowa’s RTC structure and alleged coach friction led to the decommit, how Oklahoma State and Nebraska factor in, and what Penn State must do to close. This is not...

Bo Bassett is back on the board — and now the three-team race is on between Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska.

In this Locked On crossover episode, Zach Seyko and Cody Stovall break down: Why Bo’s decommitment from Iowa has sparked national debate, what really happened between the Bassett family and the Iowa staff, why this recruitment could change the trajectory of college wrestling for a decade, and how PSU, OSU, and Nebraska stack up both in roster fit and long-term RTC potential.

Also discussed:

Melvin Miller and Keegan Bassett’s impact on Bo’...