What is Penn State really getting in Matt Campbell? Former Iowa State player Steven Wirtel, who spent four years under Campbell before playing in the NFL, joins Zach Seyko to reveal what makes Penn State’s new head coach special. Wirtel explains why Campbell’s authenticity, leadership, and family-first culture transformed Iowa State and will thrive in Happy Valley. The two also break down Campbell’s recruiting style, his first staff hires (Jon Heacock, Ryan Clanton, Derek Hoodjer), and which Iowa State coaches or players could follow him to Penn State — including Rocco Becht. Finally, they set realistic expectations for Year 1 and beyond.

Follow Steven!

X: https://x.com/StevenWirtel

DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded before some of the recent coaches hired by Penn State.

#PennState #MattCampbell #WeAre #CollegeFootball #IowaState #BigTen

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0:00 Intro – What is Penn State getting in Matt Campbell?

2:00 Campbell’s authenticity and player-first approach explained

5:30 How Campbell inspired players like Brock Purdy and Breece Hall

7:15 How Campbell won over top recruits

13:30 John Heacock, Ryan Clanton, and Derek Hoodjer

15:00 How Clanton elevate Penn State’s O-line

17:30 Strength coach Reed Kagy

18:30 Noah Pauley and Taylor Mouser

21:30 Mouser’s impact as a TE coach

26:00 Iowa State players who could follow Campbell

29:00 Rocco Becht’s leadership and experience

31:00 Other names to watch

35:00 Year 1 expectations and long-term goals

37:30 Wirtel: “Trust and culture win close games"

38:30 Can Penn State win a national title under Campbell?

39:30 Wirtel: “The sky’s the limit"

40:30 Closing thoughts

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Flow Wrestling released new NCAA team projections — and they have Ohio State ranked ahead of Penn State. Host Zach Seyko reacts to the surprising prediction and explains why it’s flawed, breaking down the individual matchups, rankings context, and what’s missing from the numbers. He also updates listeners on Masanosuke Ono’s kidney injury, which forces him to withdraw from Japan’s Emperor’s Cup, and details what this means for his Penn State future. In segment two, Zach dives into the 197-pound storyline as Josh Barr continues to recover from injury and Connor Mirasola makes a case for a potential wrestle-off — could Penn State have the two best 197-pounders in the country? Finally, Zach previews the Penn State vs. Wyoming dual meet, highlighting the top matchups to watch, including Mirasola vs. Joey Novak, Rocco Welsh vs. Eddie Knightenbach, and Cole Mirasola vs. Christian Carroll, while explaining why Penn State could still dominate from top to bottom despite lineup uncertainties.

#PennState #WeAre #Wrestling #CaelSanderson #CollegeWrestling

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andy kotelnicki

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cael sanderson

james franklin press conference

mike rhoades press conference

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0:00 Intro

0:45 Breaking down the controversial team projections

3:00 Key matchups that shape projections

4:30 Why Ohio State is legit

7:00 The depth factor: why Penn State’s “B-Team” could still podium

9:00 Why Mirasola’s rise and Barr’s absence skew the numbers

12:00 Masanosuke Ono injury update

14:00 Weight cut speculation

16:30 Barr vs. Mirasola looming

19:00 Connor Mirasola’s dominance

23:00 Penn State vs. Wyoming Dual Preview

23:15 Key matchups to watch: Welsh, Mirasola, and Cole Mirasola headline

25:00 Connor Mirasola vs. Joey Novak – top-5 showdown

30:00 Final score predictions

32:00 Outro

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DISCLAIMER: This show was recorded before Taylor Mouser was reported to be Penn State's next OC.

Penn State shakes up the coaching landscape by hiring Matt Campbell away from Iowa State, igniting fierce speculation about player movement and program trajectories. Zach Seyko and Nick Marovets break down the potential transfer portal shakeout, debating whether Rocco Becht, Carson Hansen, and Abu Sama could headline a wave of talent joining Penn State, and what it means for the Nittany Lions’ future. Will Penn State’s new staff, including key figures like Ryan Clanton and potentially Noah Pauley and Taylor Mouser, transform their offense and keep the team playoff-relevant?

The conversation also spotlight’s Jimmy Rogers’ swift arrival at Iowa State and the Cyclones’ ability to retain core stars like Marcus Neal Jr., Jeremiah Cooper, and Jontez Williams.

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

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andy kotelnicki

jim knowles

drew allar

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Penn State officially has a new offensive coordinator — Taylor Mouser, replacing Andy Kotelnicki after one season. Host Zach Seyko breaks down:

- Why fans are “underwhelmed” but Matt Campbell trusts Mouser completely

- How this move aligns with Campbell’s loyal, Iowa State-style rebuild

- What it means for Ethan Grunkemeyer, Luke Reynolds, and Andrew Rappleyea

- The assistants to watch: Noah Pauley, Dan Connor, Deion Barnes, Deon Broomfield

Roster turnover, transfer portal impact, and how 2026 recruiting will bounce back fast

Plus: Breaking news on staff additions, and how Penn State’s front office (Derek Hoodjer + Jack Griffith) will modernize roster management.

#PennState #MattCampbell #TaylorMouser #WeAre #CollegeFootball

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

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andy kotelnicki

jim knowles

drew allar

mike rhoades

cael sanderson

james franklin press conference

mike rhoades press conference

cael sanderson press conference

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Discussing the latest in as Michigan needs a new head coach after Sherrone Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

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Penn State sends shockwaves through the Big Ten with the hire of Matt Campbell, raising expectations for the Nittany Lions' future. Will Campbell’s proven success—maximizing results at Iowa State without top-tier resources—translate to a championship run in State College? Zach and Jacob Goins debate whether this move is a game-changer or a risky bet, comparing it to Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana and exploring fan reactions, recruiting strategies, and the impact of assistant hires like Derek Hoodjer and Terry Smith.

Indiana cements its status as college football’s elite by defeating Ohio State for the Big Ten title and earning a #1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The hosts break down Indiana’s dominant defense, Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-worthy season, and their chances against Alabama or Oklahoma. Hot topics include Pat Fitzgerald’s arrival at Michigan State, Bob Chesney’s fit at UCLA, and the ongoing debate over Notre Dame’s independence. Can the Big Ten claim a third straight national championship?

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james franklin

andy kotelnicki

jim knowles

drew allar

mike rhoades

cael sanderson

james franklin press conference

mike rhoades press conference

cael sanderson press conference

Remember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

0:00 Intro

1:40 Campbell "is not a splash hire”

4:15 The Cignetti parallel — from Indiana’s rebuild to Penn State’s redemption arc

6:45 Can Campbell turn Penn State into the Big Ten’s next powerhouse?

9:15 Why Matt Campbell is a true football coach, not a marketer

11:10 Indiana’s dominance: Hoosiers crowned Big Ten Champions

13:45 How Indiana’s defensive front wrecked Ohio State’s offense

17:00 Can Indiana sustain success or is this their peak?

22:15 Big Ten’s new look

26:30 Notre Dame snubbed again — and why independence finally backfired

29:50 CFP committee review – what they got right, what’s still broken

30:40 Which Big Ten team wins it all?

32:20 Outro

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Shockwaves hit Happy Valley as Penn State Nittany Lions part ways with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who quickly lands at Tennessee, while Matt Campbell reshapes the staff amid questions about the next defensive leader. Will Jon Heacock step in, or is a surprise move coming? Stan Drayton is also expected to depart for South Carolina, sparking speculation about further coaching changes and the impact on the roster.

Zach Seyko breaks down the coaching shake-up, exploring potential replacements and the strategic implications for Penn State football. Key topics include the defensive scheme transition, whether the 3-3-5 or 4-2-5 will be the new standard, and the critical need to retain staffers like Deion Barnes and Dan Connor. Recruiting, NIL power, and the portal’s impact are analyzed as the Nittany Lions try to maintain competitiveness in the Big Ten. Is a rebound season possible, or will Penn State face growing pains in the new era?

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Omaha Steaks

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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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

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Key words:

penn state

penn state nittany lions

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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 press conference

Remember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

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Host Zach Seyko breaks down the latest Penn State shake-up as Ty Howle (tight ends coach) and Danny O’Brien (quarterbacks coach) follow James Franklin to Virginia Tech, leaving key vacancies and questions behind for Matt Campbell to address.

Zach explains how their departures could trigger Ethan Grunkemeyer and several tight ends (Andrew Rappleyea, Luke Reynolds) to consider transferring, and why this could open the door for Iowa State staffers like Taylor Mouser (OC/TE coach) and Noah Pauley (WR coach) to join Campbell’s Penn State staff.

Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.

And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Rugiet

If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

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james franklin press conference

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0:00 Intro

1:20 Ty Howle leaves for Virginia Tech

3:05 Franklin’s motives: Loyalty vs. strategy

4:00 Danny O’Brien follows too

6:10 Why these moves are high-risk

10:45 Ethan Grunkemeyer transfer watch

12:40 Projected tight end depth chart and attrition expectations

13:30 Penn State retention vs. portal departures

16:30 Beck + Manske combo

19:15 Why Mouser fits Campbell’s system

21:00 How Penn State could replace lost TEs

23:00 Projected assistant hires

24:10 Why Campbell’s staff are elite evaluators and developers of talent

25:20 Final takeaways

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Penn State makes a headline-grabbing move by hiring Matt Campbell as head football coach, aiming to transform the Nittany Lions into a perennial championship threat. Zach Seyko and Pat Curbler break down how Campbell’s proven ability to do more with less at Iowa State could elevate Penn State’s program. They analyze how Campbell’s X’s and O’s acumen, culture fit, and recruiting philosophy position the Nittany Lions for Big Ten contention. Is this hire the spark needed to finally topple Ohio State and Michigan?

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Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.

And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Rugiet

If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.

Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time.

Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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…

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Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More

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Follow the show on X!

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https://x.com/zach\_seyko

#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #football

#recruiting #footballrecruiting #pennstaterecruiting #collegerecruiting #collegefootballrecruiting #highschoolfootball

Key words:

penn state

penn state nittany lions

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penn state schedule

penn state university

penn state football schedule

penn state basketball

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penn state ohio state

penn state michigan

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college football

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psu football

james franklin

andy kotelnicki

jim knowles

drew allar

mike rhoades

cael sanderson

james franklin press conference

mike rhoades press conference

cael sanderson press conference

Remember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

0:00 Intro – Penn State Lands Matt Campbell

1:30 Why This Is an A+ Hire for Penn State

5:00 Matt Campbell’s Fit: Central PA Values

8:30 How He Compares to James Franklin

13:00 The Importance of Coordinator Hires – Kotelnicki + Knowles Debate

16:30 John Heacock’s Role & How the Defensive Staff Could Work

19:30 QB Outlook: Ethan Grunkemeyer vs. Rocco Becht

22:00 How the Portal + NIL Will Shape Penn State’s 2026 Roster

26:00 Recruiting Blueprint: 2027 Class Will Define Penn State’s Future

28:00 Midwest Pipeline Expansion (Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma)

31:00 How James Franklin at Virginia Tech Impacts PSU Recruiting

34:00 Why Penn State’s Long-Term Ceiling Is Higher Than Ever

35:15 Closing – Patience, Culture, and Penn State’s New Identity

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Penn State Nittany Lions fire up the fan base as Matt Campbell’s introductory press conference sets the tone for a new era. Can Campbell’s loyalty, hard-nosed philosophy, and strategic staff moves position Penn State football for instant success—and a College Football Playoff run out of the gate?

Zach Seyko dissects the clear culture fit between Campbell and the Nittany Lions, the dynamic with athletic director Pat Kraft and President Neeli Bendapudi, and why this hire signals long-term stability. The conversation highlights crucial staff decisions, like retaining Terry Smith and adding John Haycock and Ryan Clanton, plus the potential impact of Noah Pauly on wide receiver development. With a favorable schedule, a $30 million NIL war chest, and optimism for seamless roster transition, Penn State’s path under Campbell is primed for excitement. Can the Nittany Lions disrupt the Big Ten’s pecking order sooner than expected?

Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

Everydayer Club  

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.

And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Rugiet

If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.

Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time.

Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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!

https://x.com/LockedOnNittany

https://x.com/zach\_seyko

#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #football

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 press conference

Remember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.