Hardcore Penn State Football

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your ultimate source for in-depth analysis, insider scoops, and passionate discussions on all things Nittany Lions! In this blockbuster episode, hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi dive headfirst into the seismic shifts rocking Happy Valley as we transition into a new chapter of Penn State football. With the 2025 season wrapping up and massive changes on the horizon, we're breaking down the hiring of Matt Campbell, staff overhauls, key retentions, aggressive recruiting moves, and the ironic Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Clemson. Whether you're a die-hard alum or a casual fan, this episode is packed with insights, hot takes, and what it all means for PSU's future in the Big Ten and beyond.
We kick things off with the bombshell news that's sent shockwaves through college football – Penn State's bold move to bring in Matt Campbell from Iowa State as the new head coach. After a tumultuous end to the James Franklin era, Campbell's proven track record of building gritty, resilient programs (hello, Cyclones upsets!) makes him the perfect fit for PSU's blue-collar ethos. We discuss his coaching philosophy, why he left Ames, his contract details (rumored 8-year deal with heavy incentives), and how his emphasis on player development and innovative schemes could elevate the Nittany Lions back to national contention. Is this the hire that finally delivers a playoff breakthrough? Our hosts debate the pros, cons, and fan reactions from social media.
No head coach succeeds alone, and Campbell is wasting no time assembling his dream team. We break down the early hires and pursuits for assistant coaches and support staff, including defensive coordinator candidates. Highlights include rumors of poaching key Iowa State assistants, targeting well-known people personnel for recruiting roles, and bolstering the strength and conditioning program. Plus, we speculate on budget implications and how this staff could mesh with existing talent. In a massive win for continuity, Penn State retains cornerbacks coach and recruiting guru Terry Smith! Smith's loyalty amid the coaching change is a game-changer. We explore why he chose to stay (hint: deep ties to the program and Campbell's vision), his impact on developing elite secondaries (think Joey Porter Jr.), and how his recruiting prowess in the PA region will be crucial moving forward.
With Campbell at the helm, Penn State's recruiting machine is revving up. We detail the early targets in the 2026 and 2027 classes, focusing on blue-chip prospects from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the Midwest – including top-ranked QBs, edge rushers, and offensive linemen who've already received offers. Our hosts discuss Campbell's "must-fit" pitch and how it differentiates from the previous regime. Then, we shift to the Transfer Portal frenzy: Who's on the radar? How do they fit within Campbell's system? We also touch on de-commitments from the Franklin era and how PSU plans to flip them back.
Wrapping up the 2025 season with a bang – Penn State takes on Clemson in the iconic Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium! Multiple Penn State stars have already opted out: DT Zane Durant, S Zakee Wheatley, and RB Nick Singleton. How will Matt Campbell handle the bowl practices? OC Andy Kotelnicki plans to call plays for the game, and DBs coach, Anthony Pointdexter will replace former DC Jim Knowles (who left for Tennessee).
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In this electrifying episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we celebrate a resilient Senior Day triumph as the Nittany Lions claw back with a 27-20 victory over Nebraska on November 22nd at Beaver Stadium—boosting Penn State to 5-6 and keeping faint bowl hopes alive in a season of upheaval!
We start with a full recap of the gritty win: Ethan Grunkemeyer's poised performance stepping in at QB, going an efficient 11/12 for 181 yards and a touchdown, the defense's crucial 4th down stops, and how the ground game powered through.
Then, we spotlight the historic milestones: RB Kaytron Allen shattering the all-time career rushing yards record with a 160-yard outburst, surpassing Evan Royster's mark in emotional fashion. Plus, RB Nick Singleton's two-score day tying Saquon Barkley's legendary all-time touchdowns record—could he break it in the finale?
Finally, the big debate: With James Franklin now at Virginia Tech, should interim head coach Terry Smith—a PSU lifer with recruiting chops and defensive expertise—get the full-time gig? We weigh his steady hand in this turnaround win against other candidates like Lincoln Riley, Bob Chesney, Kalen DeBoer, and Brent Key, plus fan polls and insider buzz.
Join hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi for triumphant vibes, milestone breakdowns, and heated coaching discussions. Subscribe for more unfiltered Penn State takes, like if you're hyped for the records, and tell us in the comments: Terry Smith for HC—yes or no?
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WEEK 13 PICK'EM: https://forms.gle/cL5HK5FkS8YLWELn7

In this bombshell episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we tackle the seismic shakeup in Happy Valley and look ahead amid the chaos as the Nittany Lions fight to finish strong in a turbulent 2025 season!
We lead with the breaking news: James Franklin's stunning departure to Virginia Tech after 12 years at Penn State—analyzing his move, is it a good fit?, and the ripple effects as he poaches staff members like Andy Frank. What does this mean for PSU's rebuild, and who's next in the coaching carousel?
Then, a full celebration of Penn State's gritty 28-10 victory over Michigan State on November 15th—snapping a losing skid to improve to 4-6. Kaytron moves closer to breaking the all-time rushing record.
Finally, our in-depth preview of the Senior Day clash against Nebraska on November 22nd at Beaver Stadium: Dissecting the 7-3 Cornhuskers' run-heavy attack led by QB Dylan Raiola, matchup advantages for PSU, weather factors, and strategies to secure bowl eligibility.
Join hosts Cory Lestochi & Shawn Kane for emotional reactions, insider scoops, and fiery debates on the program's future.
Subscribe now for unfiltered PSU coverage, like if you're excited for a new era, and sound off in the comments on who should replace Franklin!
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In this raw and unfiltered episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we confront the painful reality of the Nittany Lions' heartbreaking 31-24 loss to Indiana on November 8th at Beaver Stadium—dropping Penn State to a dismal 3-6 and putting the program's future under the microscope. We lead with a thorough recap of the defeat: Critical moments like the late-game interception, defensive collapses against Mendoza's passing attack, offensive bright spots with Ethan Grunkemeyer's resilience, and conservative play calling sealed another frustrating Big Ten setback for the Lions.
 
Then, the latest twists in the coaching search: With James Franklin's seat scorching hot, we update on evolving candidates—including Mike Elko's impressive turnaround at TAMU, Brian Hartline's Ohio State ties and recruiting edge, Eli Drinkwitz being the new favorite, and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer. Plus, emerging dark horses and timeline speculation as the season spirals.
 
Finally, we dive into your fan questions: Tackling everything from player accountability and schematic overhauls to bowl ineligibility fears, transfer portal chaos, and bold calls for immediate changes—straight from the passionate PSU community.
 
Join hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi for tough conversations, expert breakdowns, and a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.
 
Subscribe for more no-holds-barred Penn State coverage, like if you're demanding better from the Lions, and share your hottest takes in the comments! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
 
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In this must-listen episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we bring the heat with special guest Landon Tengwall, the former Nittany Lions offensive lineman turned analyst and host of The Landon Tengwall Show, joining us for insider breakdowns and unfiltered takes on the program! We kick off with an exclusive interview with Landon—understanding what's going on with the current Penn State Football team. What improvements they can make at this point in the season? Can they get to a bowl game?
 
We then talk about the Penn State Coaching Search and who Landon would like to see get the Penn State Head Coaching Job. Then, a raw dissection of what went wrong in the 38-14 thrashing by Ohio State and throughout this disappointing 3-5 campaign so far—turnovers, defensive lapses, coaching decisions, and how the Lions can salvage the year.
 
Shifting to the future, our detailed preview of the upcoming clash against Indiana on November 8th at Beaver Stadium: Breaking down the #,2 Indiana Hoosiers, their high-powered offense, key matchups like containing their explosive WRS, and how Penn State's defense can step up at home. Next, our bold predictions for Penn State vs. Indiana—will the Nittany Lions snap their skid and get back to .500, or will IU keep rolling in the Big Ten? We cover scores, X-factors, and upset potential.
 
Join Cory Lestochi and guest Landon Tengwall for candid convos, expert insights, and no-BS analysis. Subscribe now for more Penn State deep dives, like if you're ready for a rebound win, and drop your predictions in the comments!
 
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WEEK 11 PICK'EM: https://forms.gle/UT44r58eJfDQoFJw5

In this toothless episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we unpack the Nittany Lions' brutal 38-14 defeat at the hands of the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes on November 1st—dropping Penn State to 3-5 and intensifying the pressure in Happy Valley. Rich Scarcella from the Reading Eagle joins the show!
 
We start with a full recap of the loss: Key plays, defensive breakdowns, turnovers, and how the Buckeyes dominated from start to finish despite the score looking close at half. What went wrong, and is there any silver linings in this lopsided rivalry clash? Why couldn't the offense attack vertically?
 
Next, a heated debate on offensive playcalling—critiquing the conservative schemes, missed opportunities with Ethan Grunkemeyer, and why the run-pass balance failed against OSU's elite defense. Is it time for major changes? Interim HC Terry Smith says no major changes are imminent.
 
Then, we tackle your fan questions: From calls for coaching shakeups to player evaluations and bowl eligibility hopes—nothing's off-limits as we read and respond to the best submissions from the PSU faithful.
 
Finally, the latest on the coaching search amid swirling rumors about James Franklin's job security. Updates on frontrunners like Mike Elko's rising stock with TAMU success, Brian Hartline's recruiting magic, Jeff Brohm at Louisville, and Matt Rhule and Urban Meyer appearing to be off the list. Join hosts Cory Lestochi & Rich Scarcella for honest takes, close examinations, and a path forward for the program. Hit subscribe for more raw Penn State analysis, like if you're still believing in the Nittany Lions, and vent your frustrations in the comments!
 
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In this high-stakes episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we ramp up the intensity just days before the Nittany Lions face off against the top-ranked Buckeyes in a classic Big Ten showdown! Friend of the pod and Altoona native, Cory Giger accompanies him.
We kick things off by answering your top fan bold predictions—covering everything from injury reports and lineup tweaks to coaching hot takes and season outlooks as Penn State sits at 3-4 heading into this pivotal matchup.
Next, our in-depth Ohio State preview: We dissect the undefeated 7-0 Buckeyes' explosive offense led by their star quarterback, their lockdown defense, key player matchups, and strategic vulnerabilities the Lions could exploit in Columbus on November 1st at Ohio Stadium.
Finally, our fearless predictions for Ohio State vs. Penn State—will the underdog Nittany Lions pull off a monumental upset against No. 1 Ohio State, or will the Buckeyes roll to another victory? We break down scores, game-changers, and bold calls.Join hosts Cory Lestochi and Cory Giger for raw breakdowns, heated discussions, and insider insights. Smash that subscribe button for more PSU coverage, like if you're riding with the Nittany Lions, and share your predictions in the comments!
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WEEK 10 PICK'EM: https://forms.gle/Py7UEx72qxXvdA7f7

In this fresh episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive deep into the hottest topics surrounding the Nittany Lions as the 2025 season heats up! Donnie Collins, Scranton Times-Tribune, fills in for Shawn Kane.
First, we break down the ongoing head coach search amid speculation about James Franklin's future. We analyze top candidates like Texas A&M's Mike Elko, Brian Hartline's offensive wizardry and recruiting prowess at Ohio State, Joe Brady's innovative play-calling with the Buffalo Bills, and the controversial potential return of Urban Meyer—could he bring championship pedigree back to Happy Valley? Then, we shift gears to game prep: How Penn State is gearing up for their Big Noon Kick against Ohio State. We discuss key matchups, injury updates, and strategies to exploit the Buckeyes' weaknesses.
Finally, a full breakdown of the Nittany Lions' offense strategy— from QB Ethan Grunkenmeyer's growth to Jaxon Smolik's injury. Join hosts Cory Lestochi and Donnie Collins for unfiltered analysis..
Don't miss it—subscribe now for more Penn State breakdowns, hit that like button if you're all in on the Lions, and drop your coach picks in the comments!
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In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we break down Penn State's heartbreaking 25-24 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium—the Nittany Lions' fourth straight defeat in Iowa City by five points or fewer. Join us as we dissect how the defense, ranked 71st against the run, crumbled in the second half, giving up massive chunks on the ground including a game-changing 67-yard scamper by Iowa QB Mark Gronowski that set up the winning touchdown. Iowa racked up 245 rushing yards at 7.4 yards per carry, exposing ongoing vulnerabilities that have plagued PSU in recent games.
We also dive into the two-QB system deployed in the absence of starter Drew Allar, with redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer getting the nod (15/28 for 93 yards, but two costly INTs) and backup Jaxon Smolik rotating in for key scrambles and option plays— a strategy reminiscent of last season's approach but one that couldn't seal the deal.
Plus, the latest on Penn State's head coaching search following James Franklin's firing: Interim coach Terry Smith dropped his debut, but he's emerging as a candidate himself. We discuss top names like Nebraska's Matt Rhule (the early favorite), Texas A&M's Mike Elko, and dark horses such as Alabama's Kalen DeBoer and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz, as the search enters its second week with no clear frontrunner yet. Tune in for expert analysis, fan reactions, and what this means for Penn State with Ohio State and Indiana looming after the BYE week. We also answer your fan questions!
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WEEK 9 PICK'EM: https://forms.gle/AdoLrKnEbcnsJgQ58

Buckle up, Nittany Nation! In this raw, unfiltered episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive headfirst into the chaos that's gripped Happy Valley as the 2025 season spirals into madness. With James Franklin's stunning midseason firing still sending shockwaves through the program—just days after a gut-wrenching 3-3 skid—Penn State heads into the lion's den at Kinnick Stadium for a brutal Week 8 clash against a surging Iowa squad (4-2) on October 18. Is this the rock-bottom revenge tour nobody saw coming, or the spark that reignites our playoff dreams? We break it all down with zero punches pulled.
Penn State vs. Iowa Preview: Trap Game or Total Meltdown? The Hawkeyes are rolling with a punishing ground attack—led by Xavier Williams' two-TD explosion last outing and QB Mark Gronowski's dual-threat nightmare fuel. Kinnick's nightmarish atmosphere under the lights (7 p.m. ET on Peacock) has crushed bigger dreams than ours. We dissect first time-starting QB Ethan Grunkmeyer, Interim HC Terry Smith's presser, and whether our D-line (shoutout Dani Dennis-Sutton's punt-block heroics) can stuff Iowa's rush before it stuffs us.
 
Franklin Out, Who's Next? Holy buyout, Batman—what a bloodbath! Franklin's pink slip (after a 104-45 tenure, a '24 playoff semi, and that elusive natty) joins a 2025 carousel on steroids: UCLA, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State (RIP Mike Gundy), Arkansas (Sam Pittman gone), Oregon State, and even Stanford's wild Frank Reich interim experiment. Is Penn State boosters' cash vault eyeing a splash like Marcus Freeman, Matt Rhule, or Urban Meyer? We discuss who we have heard, who is real, and who is not. Whether you're tailgating in Iowa's cornfields or rage-scrolling from your Beaver Stadium man cave, this ep is your survival guide to the storm.
WE ARE... STILL HERE! Smash that like button, subscribe for weekly roasts, and drop your wildest coaching carousel predictions in the comments. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
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