Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the premier podcast delivering raw analysis, exclusive breakdowns, and unfiltered passion for everything Nittany Lions! In this post-holiday special – recorded December 29, 2025 – hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi celebrate the end of a turbulent 2025 season while looking ahead to the Matt Campbell rebuild. Fresh off a gritty bowl win, we're dissecting the victory over Clemson, the blockbuster hire of D'Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator, the impending transfer portal opening, and answering your fan questions. From on-field heroics to offseason strategy, this episode is your roadmap to PSU's 2026 resurgence in the Big Ten.

Despite a sloppy, error-filled game on both sides, PSU (finishing 7-6) dominated with a stout defense and timely plays, holding the Tigers (also 7-6) to just one touchdown. We discuss interim coaching impacts, fan reactions in the Bronx cold, and how this win provides closure to the James Franklin era while boosting morale for Campbell's takeover. Big news from Happy Valley – Matt Campbell has landed USC's D'Anton Lynn as PSU's new DC! The former Nittany Lion letterman (a standout player in the early 2010s) is returning home after two successful seasons transforming USC's defense. Shawn dives into Lynn's coaching pedigree – son of NFL coach Anthony Lynn, with stints at UCLA and the Ravens – and why his aggressive, player-development-focused schemes are a perfect fit for PSU's talent-laden unit. We explore the pursuit (Franklin chased him last offseason), contract buzz, and potential staff additions like Rob Ryan.

The offseason heats up as the NCAA's new singular winter transfer portal window officially opens this Friday, January 2, 2026, running through January 16! With the spring window eliminated starting this cycle, this 15-day frenzy is make-or-break for roster building. Our hosts preview PSU's strategy under Campbell: Targeting QBs, OL reinforcements, and defensive depth to fill gaps from graduations and NFL declarations. We discuss early announcements (players can signal intent now), NIL implications, and rivals' moves. Cory warns of potential outgoing transfers like underutilized backups, while Shawn spotlights portal gems that could flip the script for 2026.

You asked, we deliver! In our extended mailbag, we tackle your top queries from social media and email – What does Lynn's hire mean for the scheme? Who's PSU's top portal target? Bowl MVP debates? And more.

If this episode has you pumped for the Campbell era, smash LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and enable notifications for instant drops! Comment below: Biggest win from the bowl, or most excited about Lynn? Share with your PSU crew!

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