State Media

Penn State safety Omarion Davis joins De’Andre Cook and Donnie Harbour on The Lions Den to share his journey from the Carolinas to Boston College and ultimately Penn State football. From playing college football at just 17 years old to making his first career start against Clemson, Davis opens up about the experiences that shaped him as a player and person.Davis takes us back to his upbringing in North and South Carolina, his high school football career, and the challenges of adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. He reflects on his memorable performance against Clemson, wh...

Penn State football is 3-4 and winless in Big Ten play, but could just 6–8 plays be separating the Nittany Lions from a completely different season? Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down Penn State's struggles, the opportunity ahead against Purdue, and why one win could change everything for Matt Campbell's team.On this episode of State Wide, Hackenberg explains why Penn State's bye week arrived at a critical moment and what must change as the Nittany Lions prepare to host Purdue on Saturday, October 31, at Beaver Stadium.The guys examine Rocco Becht's offense, the potential return of wide receiver Ko...

Ryla Jones was quietly keeping an eye on Penn State before making her move from Pitt. Now, the Penn State volleyball middle blocker is sharing the inside story with Caroline Jurevicius on a new episode of Weis Carpool Karaoke!From growing up in an incredibly competitive family of Division I athletes to reaching two Final Fours at Pitt, Ryla takes us through her volleyball journey. She explains why she chose volleyball over basketball, how she handled the nerves of competing at the highest level, and what ultimately brought her to Happy Valley.Ryla also opens up about navigating an...

Before becoming a Penn State football captain and the defensive green dot, Kooper Ebel was a dual-threat high school quarterback who rushed for an incredible 2,500 yards. Now, the Nittany Lions linebacker joins De’Andre Cook and Donnie Harbour on The Lions Den to reveal his journey from small-town Iowa to Happy Valley.Kooper opens up about growing up in Iowa, his father's influence on his football career, the transition from Iowa State to Penn State, and the lessons that helped him develop into a vocal leader of the Nittany Lions defense. He also explains the responsibility of wearing the gr...

Penn State football's margin for error is getting smaller. After another frustrating loss to Michigan, Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down the costly turnovers, missed opportunities, and critical moments that shaped the Nittany Lions' performance. What needs to change for Penn State to turn competitive games into wins? The State Wide crew examines the details that make the difference in the Big Ten.Penn State cornerback Audavion Collins joins Brian Tripp for an exclusive interview about his journey, development, and growing leadership role with the Nittany Lions. Collins shares how growing up undersized and competing against his siblings...

Penn State vs. Michigan could be a turning point for both programs. Former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg and former Michigan defensive lineman Chris Wormley break down Saturday's Big Ten showdown, Bryce Underwood's struggles, and what both teams must do to get their seasons back on track.After Penn State's 31-23 White Out loss to USC, Christian Hackenberg and Tripp examine why the Nittany Lions finally showed signs of progress under Matt Campbell. From Rocco Becht's connection with Chase Sowell to offensive adjustments and renewed confidence, was the USC game a sign of better things to come?Then, former...

Penn State football suffered another heartbreaking loss, falling 31-23 to USC in the White Out at Beaver Stadium. But Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley believe there's more to this Penn State team than the final score suggests.On this episode of The Pocket, the former Penn State standouts deliver their analysis of the Nittany Lions' loss to Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans, examining what improved, what went wrong, and what must change before Penn State travels to face Michigan.Hackenberg and Haley discuss Rocco Becht's development, Andrew Rappleyea's impact, Penn State's red-zone struggles, and the defensive pressure problems...

Christian Hackenberg is taking a Penn State White Out rookie shopping! The former Nittany Lions quarterback teams up with Will at Family Clothesline in State College to find the perfect outfit for one of college football's most iconic traditions.With Penn State's first White Out of the Matt Campbell era approaching, Hackenberg guides Will through classic Nittany Lions logos, retro apparel, new Adidas gear, and the unwritten rules of dressing for a White Out at Beaver Stadium.Along the way, Christian shares his favorite State College spots, his thoughts on Penn State's apparel, unforgettable memories of playing in the...

Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg break down how the Nittany Lions respond following a difficult night at Northwestern and what Penn State must establish before its White Out matchup with USC.Hackenberg explains why consistency starts with identity, why Penn State may need to simplify its approach and how stacking positive plays can help the Nittany Lions regain momentum. He also breaks down Northwestern's unconventional approach, why the Wing T can create problems for modern defenses and why USC is unlikely to simply copy the same blueprint.Then, Hackenberg looks ahead to USC and explains...

Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley hit reset on Penn State football after back-to-back Big Ten losses and look ahead to a massive White Out matchup against USC.On this episode of The Pocket, Hackenberg and Haley break down what went wrong against Northwestern, the issues Penn State faced in the trenches, whether the Nittany Lions’ struggles are more mental or physical, and why execution and confidence remain critical moving forward.They also discuss the changing landscape of college football, how NIL and the transfer portal have created more parity across the sport, Penn State’s offensive rhythm, expectations surrounding Matt...

Penn State defensive tackle Dallas Vakalahi joins The Lions Den to talk about his journey from Utah to Happy Valley, why Penn State was the right next step and what he brings to a deep Nittany Lions defensive line.Vakalahi reveals that he once played running back, reflects on representing his Tongan heritage at the Polynesian Bowl and tells the hilarious story of getting pancaked on his first day of college football — followed immediately by a “Welcome to college football.” He also breaks down his physical approach at defensive tackle, his ability to disrupt the running game and what he’s s...

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down Penn State’s loss to Wisconsin and examine how the Nittany Lions let the lead slip away.The State Wide crew looks at the moments that changed the game, why establishing a strong rushing attack remains so important for Penn State’s offense, and what needs to improve moving forward.Plus, Penn State tight end Gabe Burkle joins the show for an exclusive conversation about his season, the offense and life inside the Nittany Lions program.Subscribe for more Penn State football analysis, exclusive interviews and State Wide every week.Presented by PAM...

Christian Hackenberg puts Nittanyville’s Aaron to the test in the latest Weis Tailgate of the Game. Aaron has just 4 minutes to race through Weis Markets and grab everything needed for the ultimate Penn State tailgate — burgers, sausage, chips, condiments, plates and more.The problem? Finding those plates proves a little harder than expected.Watch Hackenberg break down Aaron’s shopping strategy, see how many tailgate essentials he can grab before time expires, and find out whether he can challenge Gorski for the top spot.Plus, Aaron gives a shoutout to Nittanyville and looks ahead to one of Penn State...

Penn State let a 17-0 lead slip away in a 24-20 loss to Wisconsin — but what actually went wrong?On this episode of The Pocket, former Penn State standouts Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley break down the Nittany Lions’ first loss of the season and explain why the result was unacceptable without believing it’s time to panic.Hackenberg and Haley dive into Penn State’s offensive struggles, missed opportunities in the red zone, Rocco Becht and the passing game, the impact of playing without Koby Howard, the run game, the defense’s performance and whether the Nittany Lions became too...

Penn State is heading into Big Ten play, but Christian Hackenberg sees one area the Nittany Lions MUST improve before facing Wisconsin.After Penn State's 55-13 win over Buffalo, Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down what the first three games have revealed about Matt Campbell's team. From Rocco Becht's play at quarterback and a 304-yard rushing performance to the questions surrounding Koby Howard's availability, the Nittany Lions face their first major conference test.Can Penn State's offense maintain its explosive production against Wisconsin? How could a potential absence for Koby Howard change the game plan? And why does Hackenberg...

Penn State put up 55 points against Buffalo, but the biggest question is whether anyone can stop this Nittany Lions offense when Big Ten play begins.Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley return to The Pocket to break down Penn State's win over Buffalo, evaluate the Nittany Lions through their first three games, and preview the upcoming matchup against Wisconsin.With a 300-yard rushing performance, creative offensive personnel packages, and an increasingly versatile group of playmakers, Penn State is giving opposing defenses plenty to think about. But what happens when the Nittany Lions face a more physical Big Ten opponent?Hackenberg...

Four minutes. 15 tailgate essentials. One Penn State fan racing against the clock. One lucky Penn State fan takes on the ultimate Penn State tailgating challenge inside Weis Markets, where he has just FOUR MINUTES to find 15 essential items for the perfect game day tailgate.From burgers and hot sausage to chips, dips, and all the game day necessities, he races through the aisles as the clock ticks down. Can he find everything before time runs out?Plus, he walks away with a $300 Weis Markets gift card! Watch until the end to see how many items he finds and whether...

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down the latest Penn State Football headlines after the Nittany Lions’ win over Temple and ahead of their matchup with Buffalo.Hackenberg explains the one area he still wants to see improve in Penn State’s offense, why explosive runs could unlock the entire attack, and what he’s seen from the Nittany Lions’ depth through the opening weeks of the season.The guys also discuss the season-ending injury to Max Granville, Penn State’s defensive performance, the running back rotation, the upcoming Big Ten schedule and Hackenberg’s memories of Penn State’s unforgettabl...

Penn State tight end Ben Brahmer joins Christian Hackenberg on The Pocket for an exclusive conversation about the Nittany Lions’ loaded tight end room, his connection with Rocco Becht, Taylor Mouser’s offense and what makes this Penn State team different.Before the interview, Hackenberg and Grant Haley break down Penn State’s win over Temple, the continued dominance of the defense, where the run game can become more explosive and which players have emerged as early difference-makers.Brahmer also opens up about his transition to Penn State, how a roster filled with new faces came together so quickly, life a...

Penn State football couldn't have asked for a much stronger start to the Matt Campbell era.Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg react to the Nittany Lions' dominant 45-0 win over Marshall and break down what stood out from Penn State's first performance of the 2026 season.Then Penn State defensive end Caleb Bacon joins State Wide to discuss his huge debut in Happy Valley, the energy of playing inside Beaver Stadium, his transition to the defensive line, following Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State and the mentality behind his relentless style of play.Bacon...

The Matt Campbell era at Penn State is officially underway — and Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley saw plenty to like.On the season premiere of The Pocket, Hackenberg welcomes former Penn State defensive back Grant Haley as his new co-host to break down the Nittany Lions’ dominant 45-0 win over Marshall. They dive into Matt Campbell’s first game in Happy Valley, Rocco Becht’s four-touchdown performance, Koby Howard’s breakout day, Penn State’s suffocating defense and why this team already feels capable of becoming something special.Christian and Grant also break down Tony Rojas, Caleb Bacon and the Penn Sta...

Meet the Senior WR, Chase Sowell, who is fulfilling his dream by playing for Penn State.The Houston native grew up watching Nittany Lions like Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, and says it's been his dream to be apart of an atmosphere like Penn State Football.In this Penn State Football player profile, Sowell reflects on his parents' impact in his life, his football journey, the recruiting process, and why he chose Penn State. Chase also discusses what he wants people to remember about his time in Happy Valley.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State football is officially back.Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg preview the Nittany Lions’ season opener against Marshall, break down what they expect from Matt Campbell’s team in its first true test at Beaver Stadium, and make their predictions for the 2026 season.Hackenberg explains why this is Rocco Becht’s team despite Penn State’s plans to get Alex Manske meaningful reps, while Brian and Christian make their picks for Penn State’s leading rusher, receiver, tackler, sack leader, interceptions leader and team MVP.They also dive into Penn State’s offensive line and rushing...

Penn State defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim joins The Lions Den to talk about his journey to Happy Valley, transferring from Oklahoma State, his dominant high school football career and the mindset he brings to the Nittany Lions.Nnodim opens up about recording an incredible 30 sacks and 59 tackles for loss in just two high school seasons, why football is “90% mental,” and why his mentality starts with being hungrier than the player across from him. He also explains what he wants Penn State fans to see when they turn on the tape: a fast, explosive, aggressive defensive lineman flying around and maki...

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp are back on State Wide as Penn State Football gets closer to kickoff, with Rocco Becht, Matt Campbell and the future of the Nittany Lions at the center of the conversation.Could Rocco Becht become a Trace McSorley-type quarterback for Penn State? Hackenberg breaks down what he sees in Becht’s game, why the veteran QB could be headed for a breakout season and how Alex Manske could benefit from learning behind him.The guys also discuss Matt Campbell’s approach to building Penn State from within, player development in the transfer portal and NIL...

Penn State volleyball’s Alexis Ewing is ready to make a name for herself.The sophomore joins teammate Caroline Juricious on Her State to talk about entering year two at Penn State, developing confidence on the court and embracing the pressure that comes with being the daughter of NBA legend Patrick Ewing and volleyball standout Cheryl Weaver.Ewing opens up about hearing that she only reached this level because of her famous family name, why proving she belongs matters to her and how she’s learning to block out the outside noise. She also shares the advice Patrick Ewing has...

Penn State defensive end Max Granville has been around football his entire life — and now he wants to add his name to one of the strongest edge-rusher traditions in college football.The Sugar Land, Texas native shares how his father helped develop his game from an early age, including early-morning workouts and even putting on his old football pads to help Max sharpen his technique. Granville also recalls the freshman-year scoop-and-score that changed his high school career and the three-sack playoff performance that showed him college football could become a reality.Granville explains why Penn State’s history at defe...

Meet Alex McPherson, Penn State's new defensive end from Stuart, Florida who wants to bring Penn State football back to greatness.McPherson discusses life growing up and his journey to college football. Alex discusses the reason he chose Penn State and how he wants to make an impact on Penn State Football. He talks about his hobbies outside of football including fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors. He shares how his family has made an impact on his career, and ends with a message to all Nittany Lions fans. Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg break down the latest from Nittany Lions fall camp, including Caleb Bacon’s move to the edge, Alex Manske’s development behind Rocco Becht, Malachi Goodman’s opportunity on the offensive line and the Penn State standouts making Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List.Plus, could the Penn State-Pitt football rivalry finally return? Tripp and Hackenberg react to the latest rivalry discussion and debate why meaningful rivalry games still matter in the changing college football landscape. The guys also discuss playoff expansion, preseason rankings and the future of conference championship games.Then, Pe...

From Hartley, Iowa to Happy Valley, Kooper Ebel has been shaped by football, family, faith and small-town pride.The Penn State linebacker opens up about growing up as the oldest of seven kids, learning the game from his father, overcoming self-doubt and why his trust in Coach Matt Campbell helped bring him to Penn State. Ebel also talks about the tradition of Linebacker U, his ability to “flip the switch” on game day and finally getting the chance to experience the legendary Penn State White Out from the field after growing up watching it on TV.Get to know Koop...

Meet Vaboue Toure, the Penn State safety from Pleasantville, New Jersey who wants to join the legacy of Penn State safeties. Toure discusses life growing up and his journey to college football. Toure talks about moving to Texas in high school and the hardships that came with that process. He shares how his brothers have motivated him and shaped him into the man and player he is today, while also discussing his recruiting process and why he chose Penn State. Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Meet Jamison Patton, a Penn State football safety whose journey began in Des Moines, Iowa.After growing up playing football, basketball and baseball, Patton helped Roosevelt High School end a losing streak of approximately 120 games before continuing his career at Ankeny and Iowa State. Now in Happy Valley, he is ready to bring his experience, physicality and team-first mentality to Beaver Stadium.Patton discusses the coaches who changed his trajectory, overcoming self-doubt, following Matt Campbell to Penn State and how an only child found more than 120 brothers through football.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Before Marcus Neal Jr. arrived at Penn State, he endured two consecutive winless seasons at Raytown South High School. Then, in the first game of his junior year, everything changed: his team finally won, and Neal scored four touchdowns.The Kansas City native has loved football since his father introduced him to tackle football at four years old—sometimes so much that he wore his football pants and cleats to school. In this Penn State Football player profile, Neal discusses the family members and coaches who shaped him, his journey from wide receiver to defensive back, and the mental ad...

Keanu Williams has played football since he was four years old—but the beginning was anything but easy. The Penn State defensive tackle remembers crying every day during his first season, being told to get back up and eventually realizing football could change his future.In this Penn State Football player profile, Williams discusses growing up in California, the influence of his mother, losing his senior high school season to COVID, why he couldn’t turn down Penn State and the shock of seeing snow for the first time.Williams also reveals his love for Legos and fishing, explains how...

Keith Jones Jr. learned early how to make something out of nothing.The New Orleans native opens up about his father’s work ethic, falling in love with football at four years old, stepping away to focus on basketball and returning to the game during his senior year of high school. That decision eventually took him to Grambling State, the transfer portal and Penn State.Now, the Penn State wide receiver is preparing to experience the White Out, represent his family and community, and make the most of an opportunity he refuses to take for granted.Get to know Ke...

Penn State running back Cam Wallace came from one-stoplight Mount Vernon, Georgia—but his speed quickly took him far beyond his small hometown.Wallace shares the unforgettable story of arriving late to a childhood football game, getting the ball and immediately scoring a touchdown that changed the momentum. He also discusses the coaches who kept him grounded, the sacrifices his aunt made for his future and the legacy he hopes to leave at Penn State.Get to know the funny, hardworking teammate behind the helmet—and why Wallace cannot wait to go to war alongside the teammates he has spen...

Penn State defensive lineman Siale Taupaki shares the family sacrifice, Tongan heritage and relentless motivation behind his football journey.Raised in East Oakland by parents who immigrated from the Kingdom of Tonga, Taupaki learned early that discipline, respect and humility begin at home. Their journey to America—and the challenges they continue to face—pushes him to keep going whenever he feels like there is nothing left in the tank.Taupaki also discusses taking pride in representing the Pacific Islander community, looking up to athletes such as Vita Vea and Tony Finau, playing football with a water-filled Gatorade bottle as a...

Could Penn State’s iconic football uniform soon carry a sponsor logo?Brian Tripp and former quarterback Christian Hackenberg break down Pat Kraft’s comments from Big Ten Football Media Day, what a jersey patch could potentially be worth and whether Penn State can embrace college athletics’ new financial reality without sacrificing one of the most recognizable uniforms in sports.They also examine the biggest Penn State football developments coming out of Chicago, including Tony Rojas and Alex Manske being cleared for camp, why Rojas could become the defense’s “game wrecker,” the return timelines for Jeremiah Cooper, Gabe Burkle and A...

Basketball was Zay Robinson’s first love—but the skills he developed on the court helped turn him into an explosive wide receiver.Get to know the Penn State playmaker from Des Moines, Iowa, as Robinson discusses the family members who shaped him, the unusual way he joined his first football team and the injuries that tested him during high school. He also explains how basketball improved his movement, jumping ability and confidence when attacking the football in the air.Robinson opens up about moving 13 hours away from home, the belief Penn State’s coaching staff has shown in him an...

James Peoples’ journey to Penn State has taken him from Germany to San Antonio, Ohio State and now Happy Valley — all while staying grounded in three priorities: faith, family and football.The Penn State running back sits down to share the story behind his military upbringing, the influence of his parents, how football went from an outlet to a way of life and why his faith has guided him throughout his college football journey. Peoples also discusses arriving at Penn State, learning what it means to be a Nittany Lion, his excitement for the upcoming season and his ultimate goal...