Penn State Is College Football's Biggest Wild Card in 2026!

Penn State football’s 2026 outlook under Matt Campbell is one of the biggest storylines of spring ball, and this episode breaks down just how high the ceiling can be for a team that looks like a real Big Ten sleeper. Host Zach Seyko and Pat Koerbler of Black Shoe Diaries discuss Penn State’s range of outcomes in Year 1 under Matt Campbell, why USC and Michigan feel winnable, Koby Howard as a breakout wide receiver, James Peoples in the running back rotation, the offensive line projection with Malachi Goodman and Anthony Donko, and why defensive end could be the biggest concern on the roster. This matters right now because Penn State is trying to blend returning talent, Iowa State transfers, and spring camp development into a team that could either push for 10-plus wins or leave fans frustrated by what was left on the table. Drop your thoughts in the comments: what is Penn State’s record in Year 1 under Matt Campbell, and which breakout player matters most this season? Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1 Everydayer Club   If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. Turbo Tax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 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 #weare #football 0:00 Intro 1:17 Why Penn State’s Schedule Creates Big Ten Opportunity 3:11 Why USC and Michigan Are Winnable for Penn State 5:11 Penn State’s 11-1 Ceiling vs 7-5 Floor 8:30 Penn State Spring Camp Battles Begin 11:14 Koby Howard Leads Penn State WR Breakout Debate 14:17 Why Koby Howard and James Peoples Stand Out 17:33 Penn State Running Back Outlook With Carson Hansen 20:19 Penn State Offensive Line Projection and Concerns 22:42 Malachi Goodman Hype at Left Tackle 23:54 Why Defensive End Is Penn State’s Biggest Concern 26:54 Max Granville, Kamaju and Penn State Edge Depth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.