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 ...
Jul 25, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1626
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 immed...
Jul 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1625
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 an...
Jul 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1624
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 ...
Jul 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 1623
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 coo...
Jul 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1622
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 ...
Jul 21, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1621
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 o...
Jul 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1620
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 ...
Jul 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1619
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...
Jul 17, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1618
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: D...
Jul 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1617
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...
Jul 15, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1616
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 ...
Jul 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1615
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...
Jul 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1614
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 wrestl...
Jul 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1613
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 proj...
Jul 10, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1612
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 reactio...
Jul 10, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1611
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...
Jul 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1610
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. Become an every-daye...
Jul 08, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1609
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. wa...
Jul 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1608
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 Chukwura...
Jul 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1607
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 Kevi...
Jul 05, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1606
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 bac...
Jul 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1605
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 defensiv...
Jul 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1604
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...
Jul 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1603
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, ...
Jul 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1602
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 Tyso...
Jul 02, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1601
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 PSU’s long-term QB p...
Jul 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1600
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 ret...
Jun 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1599
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 devel...
Jun 28, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1598
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 ...
Jun 27, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1597
