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

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-de...

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 ...

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 go...

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 ta...

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 sa...

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 Stat...

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 actu...

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-1...

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 recruit...

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...

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 pan...

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 comp...

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 ...

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 Michiga...

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 ...

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...

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 an...

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...

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 ...