Penn State lost out on many of its top 2026 recruiting targets — but the story isn’t over. In this crossover episode, Zach Seyko and recruiting analyst Brian Smith break down which prospects could flip back to the Nittany Lions, including five-star Zion Elee. They explore the real reasons Roseby Lubintus flipped to Syracuse, and why Carter Gooden chose UCLA — and why neither decision may be final. They also spotlight realistic flip candidates from Rutgers and Virginia Tech. Finally, they explain how the new NIL Clearinghouse rules starting August 1 could shake up the recruiting landscape and create new opportunities for Penn State to pounce. If you're wondering how PSU can still salvage its class and come out ahead — this is the episode for you.

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!

https://x.com/LockedOnNittany

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

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

00:00 – PSU Misses on Top Targets… But Flip Season Is Just Beginning

01:40 – Can PSU Flip Zion Elee or Luke Wafle?

04:30 – Why Maryland’s Coaching Future Could Spark a Decommit

06:00 – NIL Still Rules: How Auburn, Oregon, and UCLA Got in the Mix

08:00 – Realistic Flip Targets: Branch, Coke, Collier from Rutgers

10:00 – Thomas Wilder from VA Tech = Top OT Target to Watch

12:35 – Sponsor Read: GameTime

13:55 – What Penn State Loses in Roseby Lubintus

15:00 – Carter Gooden Chooses UCLA – Position Fit Was Key

17:00 – Why DL Depth Helps, But It Still Stings

20:45 – Dead Period Rules Have Changed Recruiting Cycles

23:00 – August 1 NIL Clearinghouse Could Shake Everything Up

25:00 – Could PSU Land a Surprise Decommit When Deals Collapse?

27:00 – Final Thoughts: August Will Be Wild for Everyone