Recruiting Expert Explains Why Penn State Lost ALL Their Top 2026 Targets

Penn State missed on nearly every priority target in the 2026 class — but the story goes deeper than just NIL. In this crossover episode, Zach Seyko (Locked On Nittany Lions) and Brian Smith (Locked On Recruiting/Portal) break down:

- Why PSU lost out on names like Joey O'Brien, Khary Adams, Luke Wafle, and Carter Meadows

- What makes Notre Dame and Michigan more successful right now on the recruiting trail

- The truth about Penn State’s NIL strategy — and how it emphasizes roster retention over splashy high school offers

- Names to watch for potential flips, especially from Rutgers, including WR Elias Coke, DL Tavian Branch, and DE Wydeek Collier

- Underrated gems in Penn State’s class — like Jahsiear Rogers, Kevin Brown, Alex Haskell, and Marlon Bright

Plus, why flip season is just getting started — and which 2026 commits could become long-term starters in Happy Valley.

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00:00 – Intro: Why Penn State's 2026 Class Collapsed

01:30 – NIL vs Relationships: Why PSU Lost Key Targets

04:00 – What PSU Misread in the 2026 Cycle

06:00 – USC Steals Wafle, Auburn Flips Falzone

08:00 – Penn State’s NIL Model: Retention Over Flash

09:45 – Does This Strategy Actually Work Long-Term?

11:50 – Sponsor Read: FanDuel

12:50 – Flip Season: PSU Eyeing Rutgers Commits?

14:30 – Dorian Barney Was a Silent Commit at One Point

16:00 – What PSU Still Needs: DT, WR, Not QB

17:45 – 2026 Class Strengths: DB Depth, OL Upside, EDGE Rotation

21:45 – Kevin Brown, Jahsiear Rogers, Alex Haskell Are Legit

23:00 – OL Pipeline: Bright and Lubintus Could Be Stars

24:30 – Chukwurah’s Story: No Profile to MVP in a Camp Cycle

26:00 – PSU’s Recruiting Philosophy: Stars Aren’t Everything

28:00 – Final Thoughts: It’s Not Flashy, But It’s Functional