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 BrightPlus, why flip season is just getting started — and which 2026 commits could become long-term starters in Happy Valley.Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnNittanyLions?sub\_confirmation=1Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday'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 MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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=YouTubeLocked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollegeFollow the show on X!https://x.com/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #football#recruiting #footballrecruiting #pennstaterecruiting #collegerecruiting #collegefootballrecruiting #highschoolfootballKey words:penn statepenn state nittany lionspenn state footballpenn state schedulepenn state universitypenn state football schedulepenn state basketballpenn state gamepenn state ohio statepenn state michiganpenn state wrestlingpenn state scorepenn state newspenn state rosterpenn state football newspenn state football gamecollege footballpenn state recruitingpenn state football recruitingpenn state football todaypsu footballjames franklinandy kotelnickijim knowlesdrew allarmike rhoadescael sandersonjames franklin press conferencemike rhoades press conferencecael sanderson press conferenceRemember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnNittanyLions?sub\_confirmation=100:00 – Intro: Why Penn State's 2026 Class Collapsed01:30 – NIL vs Relationships: Why PSU Lost Key Targets04:00 – What PSU Misread in the 2026 Cycle06:00 – USC Steals Wafle, Auburn Flips Falzone08:00 – Penn State’s NIL Model: Retention Over Flash09:45 – Does This Strategy Actually Work Long-Term?11:50 – Sponsor Read: FanDuel12:50 – Flip Season: PSU Eyeing Rutgers Commits?14:30 – Dorian Barney Was a Silent Commit at One Point16:00 – What PSU Still Needs: DT, WR, Not QB17:45 – 2026 Class Strengths: DB Depth, OL Upside, EDGE Rotation21:45 – Kevin Brown, Jahsiear Rogers, Alex Haskell Are Legit23:00 – OL Pipeline: Bright and Lubintus Could Be Stars24:30 – Chukwurah’s Story: No Profile to MVP in a Camp Cycle26:00 – PSU’s Recruiting Philosophy: Stars Aren’t Everything28:00 – Final Thoughts: It’s Not Flashy, But It’s Functional Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.