Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast - Episode 149: Spring Ball Complete, Record 8 NFL Draft Picks, and the Recruiting Trail is BLAZING Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your ultimate destination for raw Nittany Lions analysis, insider recruiting scoops, and no-holds-barred debate! In this episode – dropping April 30, 2026 – hosts Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane deliver the definitive spring wrap-up as Matt Campbell’s first full offseason comes to a close. We break down everything from the final practices and Blue-White Game takeaways, to Penn State tying a program record with 8 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the white-hot recruiting momentum that has the staff piling up commitments and offers left and right. If you’re a die-hard Lion, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for all spring!

Spring ball is officially DONE after the Blue-White Game on April 25, and the energy in Happy Valley is electric! Cory and Shawn recap the biggest takeaways from 15 practices under head coach Matt Campbell: the intense running back competition, massive strides by the offensive line (thanks to all those Iowa State transfers), and a defense that looks night-and-day better under D’Anton Lynn. Cory breaks down what this spring means for the 2026 depth chart and which position groups still need a portal push before fall camp.

Historic weekend in the NFL Draft for the Nittany Lions! Penn State tied the program record with EIGHT players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including multiple Day 2 picks and a single first-rounder. Shawn walks through every selection while Cory talks about the emotional send-off for standouts like Nick Singleton (Senior Bowl injury) and the defensive stars who cashed in big. We also discuss how Campbell’s player-development focus and the NIL-to-NFL pipeline are paying dividends and what this record draft says about the program’s trajectory.

The staff is absolutely on FIRE! With spring evaluations wrapped, Penn State has gone ballistic on the recruiting trail. Cory details the latest commitments and flips that have the 2027 class climbing back into the national top 15, while Shawn spotlights the 2027 surge — including multiple five-star targets who visited recently and immediately received big-time offers. We cover key position needs being attacked (OL, EDGE, DB), how Campbell’s “family-first” pitch is landing with recruits, and the continued impact of the Iowa State pipeline on high-school targets. Plus, early buzz on potential 2028 names and how the spring performance is helping close top prospects right now.

If you’re pumped about the Campbell era, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Drop your biggest spring takeaway or favorite new recruit in the comments — we read every single one and may shout you out next time. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions