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 to watch for potential flips, especially from Rutgers, including WR Elias Coke, DL Tavian Branch, and DE Wydeek Collier
- Underrated gems in Penn State’s class — like Jahsiear Rogers, Kevin Brown, Alex Haskell, and Marlon Bright
Plus, why flip season is just getting started — and which 2026 commits could become long-term starters in Happy Valley.
Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnNittanyLions?sub\_confirmation=1
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.
FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTube
Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege
Follow the show on X!
#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #football
#recruiting #footballrecruiting #pennstaterecruiting #collegerecruiting #collegefootballrecruiting #highschoolfootball
Key words:
penn state
penn state nittany lions
penn state football
penn state schedule
penn state university
penn state football schedule
penn state basketball
penn state game
penn state ohio state
penn state michigan
penn state wrestling
penn state score
penn state news
penn state roster
penn state football news
penn state football game
college football
penn state recruiting
penn state football recruiting
penn state football today
psu football
james franklin
andy kotelnicki
jim knowles
drew allar
mike rhoades
cael sanderson
james franklin press conference
mike rhoades press conference
cael sanderson
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.