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CHAOS?! Recruiting expert reacts to ROUGH intel for Penn State football & 2026 class

Author
Locked On Podcast Network
Published
Wed 18 Jun 2025
Episode Link
https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nittany-lions/

Penn State football is on the verge of losing four of its top 2026 targets — and the timing couldn’t be worse.

Zach Seyko and Brian Smith break down how Penn State went from leader to longshot for Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, Luke Wafle, and Grayson McKeogh, with Notre Dame suddenly poised to sweep them all. What changed? Why is USC suddenly involved? And how much of this is fixable?

This crossover episode dives deep into Penn State’s recruiting strategy, NIL challenges, and why a doomsday scenario could be unfolding unless James Franklin & Co. flip the script soon.

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00:00 – Intro: Penn State's Recruiting Crossroads

01:20 – Joey O’Brien Trending to Notre Dame

04:00 – Did Penn State See This Coming? Signs of Trouble

06:00 – How PSU's DB Class Got Complicated

08:00 – Could Losing O’Brien Spark a Domino Effect?

11:20 – The Kari Adams Dilemma

12:30 – Why Dorian Barney Is Now a Must-Get

15:00 – Can Jim Knowles Help Save the Secondary?

16:45 – Luke Wafle Drama: From Lock to Longshot

18:10 – USC's Surprise Entry — NIL in Play?

19:30 – Recruiting Doomsday Scenario: ND's 4-Player Sweep

22:00 – Is the Orange Bowl Loss Fueling This Shift?

24:00 – Jackson Ford, Immanuel Iheanacho

26:30 – Tier 2 Behavior? Why This Feels Like 10–2 in Recruiting

28:00 – How Penn State Can Flip the Script

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