Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down the latest Penn State Football headlines after the Nittany Lions’ win over Temple and ahead of their matchup with Buffalo.Hackenberg explains the one area he still wants to see improve in Penn State’s offense, why explosive runs could unlock the entire attack, and what he’s seen from the Nittany Lions’ depth through the opening weeks of the season.The guys also discuss the season-ending injury to Max Granville, Penn State’s defensive performance, the running back rotation, the upcoming Big Ten schedule and Hackenberg’s memories of Penn State’s unforgettable 2013 four-overtime win over Michigan.Later, Brian sits down with Penn State wrestler Jaden James to discuss why he chose Penn State, training alongside world and Olympic champions, the culture inside the wrestling room and his decision to gray shirt before beginning his collegiate career.Plus, Brian and Christian discuss a new proposal involving international athletes in college sports and what changes like it could mean for programs across the country.Subscribe for more Penn State Football, Penn State Wrestling and Nittany Lions coverage.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State tight end Ben Brahmer joins Christian Hackenberg on The Pocket for an exclusive conversation about the Nittany Lions’ loaded tight end room, his connection with Rocco Becht, Taylor Mouser’s offense and what makes this Penn State team different.Before the interview, Hackenberg and Grant Haley break down Penn State’s win over Temple, the continued dominance of the defense, where the run game can become more explosive and which players have emerged as early difference-makers.Brahmer also opens up about his transition to Penn State, how a roster filled with new faces came together so quickly, life away from football, the competition inside the tight end room and his first experience playing at Beaver Stadium.Later, Hackenberg and Haley explain why Penn State’s tight ends can create major matchup problems for opposing defenses, preview Buffalo and react to some of the biggest storylines around college football.Subscribe to State Media for more Penn State Football coverage, exclusive player interviews and new episodes of The Pocket.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State football couldn't have asked for a much stronger start to the Matt Campbell era.Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg react to the Nittany Lions' dominant 45-0 win over Marshall and break down what stood out from Penn State's first performance of the 2026 season.Then Penn State defensive end Caleb Bacon joins State Wide to discuss his huge debut in Happy Valley, the energy of playing inside Beaver Stadium, his transition to the defensive line, following Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State and the mentality behind his relentless style of play.Bacon made an immediate impact against Marshall with six tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack, helping Penn State pitch a shutout in the first game of the new era.What did we learn about Penn State? How different does this team look under Matt Campbell? And what could be ahead for the Nittany Lions in 2026?Subscribe for more State Wide and Penn State Athletics coverage throughout the season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

The Matt Campbell era at Penn State is officially underway — and Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley saw plenty to like.On the season premiere of The Pocket, Hackenberg welcomes former Penn State defensive back Grant Haley as his new co-host to break down the Nittany Lions’ dominant 45-0 win over Marshall. They dive into Matt Campbell’s first game in Happy Valley, Rocco Becht’s four-touchdown performance, Koby Howard’s breakout day, Penn State’s suffocating defense and why this team already feels capable of becoming something special.Christian and Grant also break down Tony Rojas, Caleb Bacon and the Penn State linebackers, the adjustments Taylor Mouser’s offense made when the running game stalled, the Becht-Howard connection, areas Penn State still needs to improve and what to watch next against Temple.Plus, the guys react to a wild opening weekend across college football, including Michigan’s controversial finish against Western Michigan, Miami’s impressive start, Clemson’s struggles and more.Is this the beginning of a special season in Happy Valley?Drop your biggest takeaway from Penn State’s opener in the comments.

Meet the Senior WR, Chase Sowell, who is fulfilling his dream by playing for Penn State.The Houston native grew up watching Nittany Lions like Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, and says it's been his dream to be apart of an atmosphere like Penn State Football.In this Penn State Football player profile, Sowell reflects on his parents' impact in his life, his football journey, the recruiting process, and why he chose Penn State. Chase also discusses what he wants people to remember about his time in Happy Valley.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State football is officially back.Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg preview the Nittany Lions’ season opener against Marshall, break down what they expect from Matt Campbell’s team in its first true test at Beaver Stadium, and make their predictions for the 2026 season.Hackenberg explains why this is Rocco Becht’s team despite Penn State’s plans to get Alex Manske meaningful reps, while Brian and Christian make their picks for Penn State’s leading rusher, receiver, tackler, sack leader, interceptions leader and team MVP.They also dive into Penn State’s offensive line and rushing identity, the challenge presented by Marshall’s mobile quarterbacks, the latest injury updates, and what the Nittany Lions need to show in Week 1.Plus, Brian and Christian discuss the controversy surrounding former NFL players potentially returning to college football, preview the State Wide pregame show with Deon Butler, recap the latest around Penn State Athletics and share a few stories you definitely won’t hear anywhere else.Subscribe for more State Wide and Penn State Athletics coverage throughout the 2026 season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim joins The Lions Den to talk about his journey to Happy Valley, transferring from Oklahoma State, his dominant high school football career and the mindset he brings to the Nittany Lions.Nnodim opens up about recording an incredible 30 sacks and 59 tackles for loss in just two high school seasons, why football is “90% mental,” and why his mentality starts with being hungrier than the player across from him. He also explains what he wants Penn State fans to see when they turn on the tape: a fast, explosive, aggressive defensive lineman flying around and making plays.But this episode goes well beyond football. Armstrong tells stories about getting destroyed 72–10 in Madden, attempting his own childhood haircut with scissors, growing up competing with his brothers, gaining weight with some help from Church’s Chicken, wrestling before becoming a standout football player and eventually reaching a place he says he always dreamed of playing: Penn State.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp are back on State Wide as Penn State Football gets closer to kickoff, with Rocco Becht, Matt Campbell and the future of the Nittany Lions at the center of the conversation.Could Rocco Becht become a Trace McSorley-type quarterback for Penn State? Hackenberg breaks down what he sees in Becht’s game, why the veteran QB could be headed for a breakout season and how Alex Manske could benefit from learning behind him.The guys also discuss Matt Campbell’s approach to building Penn State from within, player development in the transfer portal and NIL era, Bo Pribula, the growing fifth-year eligibility debate and why college football may finally need a commissioner and a players’ union.Plus, a look around the Big Ten quarterback landscape, Penn State women’s volleyball at Spikes Under the Lights, the start of the Rob Dow era for Penn State men’s soccer and a tease of what’s coming when football officially returns.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State volleyball’s Alexis Ewing is ready to make a name for herself.The sophomore joins teammate Caroline Juricious on Her State to talk about entering year two at Penn State, developing confidence on the court and embracing the pressure that comes with being the daughter of NBA legend Patrick Ewing and volleyball standout Cheryl Weaver.Ewing opens up about hearing that she only reached this level because of her famous family name, why proving she belongs matters to her and how she’s learning to block out the outside noise. She also shares the advice Patrick Ewing has given her, the influence her mother had on her volleyball career and why she wants to become a player Penn State can rely on when the match gets tight.Plus, Alexis talks about her relationship with her teammates, her incredible athleticism, meeting Spike Lee courtside at Madison Square Garden, her future beyond volleyball and Penn State’s goal entering the new season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State defensive end Max Granville has been around football his entire life — and now he wants to add his name to one of the strongest edge-rusher traditions in college football.The Sugar Land, Texas native shares how his father helped develop his game from an early age, including early-morning workouts and even putting on his old football pads to help Max sharpen his technique. Granville also recalls the freshman-year scoop-and-score that changed his high school career and the three-sack playoff performance that showed him college football could become a reality.Granville explains why Penn State’s history at defensive end ultimately brought him to Happy Valley, pointing to players like Abdul Carter, Chop Robinson and Micah Parsons as examples he hopes to follow. He also discusses transforming his body after arriving at Penn State, the impact of the coaching staff, his faith, and what he hopes his legacy will eventually mean both on and off the field.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/