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.

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 monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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 – 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