Episode Details

Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class is underwhelming — and that might be by design.

Zach Seyko and guest Pat Koerbler (Black Shoe Diaries) explore the uncomfortable reality of NIL in college football and how Penn State’s emphasis on roster retention may have cost them top-tier recruits.

They cover:

- The trade-off: keep Drew Allar, Singleton, Allen… or land a 5-star DB?

- Why PSU keeps losing recruiting battles to Notre Dame and Michigan

- The real NIL problem — is it the location, the boosters, or James Franklin?

- Why 2025 is truly “championship or bust”

- How programs like Ohio State and USC are widening the gap every year

Check out Pat's work!

Pat on X: @Poerbler

Pat on BSD: https://www.sbnation.com/users/Patrick%20Koerbler?\_gl=1\*1mx8yku\*\_ga\*MTk0ODgwMzQ3NC4xNzM3MDAxMDE2\*\_ga\_2M5GYNY1YS\*MTczNzAwMTAxNS4xLjEuMTczNzAwMTAyMi41My4wLjA.

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