Blue-White Breakdown | A Penn State Football Podcast from Pennlive.com

PennLIve's Bob Flounders takes a look at five Penn State defenders who are expected to be foundational players for Matt Campbell's Nittany Lions in the fall.Who made the list? Three defensive backs, one linebacker, and one defensive tackle.Plus, Bob also discusses one of the latest commitments in Penn State's 2027 recruiting class Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Blue-White Breakdown, Bob Flounders breaks down why the Nittany Lions could be in position to make a serious College Football Playoff push in Matt Campbell’s first full season. If Rocco Becht stays healthy and the young talent develops quickly, Penn State may be back in the CFP conversation sooner than expected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders break down where Penn State’s eight NFL Draft picks landed and which teams provide the best on‑field fits, including Vega Ioane in Baltimore, Drew Shelton in Dallas, and Zakee Wheatley in Carolina. The conversation also turns back to Happy Valley, as the guys discuss Drew Allar’s time at Penn State, questioning whether the former Nittany Lion QB — now a Pittsburgh Steeler — was utilized properly and how offensive fit shaped his PSU career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive’s Bob Flounders welcomes college football analyst Doug Lesmerises for a wide-ranging discussion on Penn State football, Matt Campbell, and the program’s long-term trajectory. Lesmerises, the former Ohio State football columnist at Cleveland.com and current co-host of The Bill and Doug Show with Bill Landis, explains why he believes Penn State is firmly in win-now mode under Campbell. The conversation examines expectations surrounding the Nittany Lions, pressure on the program, and whether PSU is positioned to compete for a College Football Playoff spot in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive’s Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders break down the latest news from Penn State spring practice, spotlighting a bigger, stronger Quinton Martin Jr. as he pushes for more playing time in the Nittany Lions’ backfield. The third-year running back, now up to 215 pounds, is making a strong case to be the No. 2 RB behind Carson Hansen after his 100-yard performance against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. Johnny, who also covers the Philadelphia Eagles, weighs in on which Penn State prospects could be ideal draft fits for Philly as we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders share their thoughts on Penn State's open practice on the Lasch practice fields on Thursday.Bob was at the Thursday morning practice and discussed what he saw from the Penn State offense, which is being directed by first-year offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser. Mouser, who is also PSU's tight ends coach, was Matt Campbell's OC at Iowa State.Rocco Becht participated in non-contact reps and clearly has established a rapport with tight end Ben Brahmer, who he played with at Iowa State.The Lions are also prepping a few young offensive linemen for bigger roles — tackles Malachi Goodman and Owen Aliciene, guard Cooper Cousins and Texas State transfer center Brock Riker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive’s Bob Flounders is joined by longtime Penn State football insider David Jones on this episode for an in-depth conversation about the future of Penn State football and the changing landscape of the Big Ten. Jones, who retired from covering the Penn State football beat after the 2023 season, offers sharp insight into what the Nittany Lions are getting in Matt Campbell, why Campbell fits Penn State at this moment, and Terry Smith’s performance as interim head coach following James Franklin’s ouster last fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders attended Penn State's Thursday morning spring practice and shares his impressions of a few promising offensive linemen, along with why edge rusher and defensive tackle remain key priorities for the Nittany Lions this offseason. The episode also includes discussion coming out of new head coach Matt Campbell’s early‑week media session and what it reveals about where the program is headed. Bob shares his thoughts with Johnny McGonigal about early spring trends, roster development, and what questions still need answers as Penn State builds toward the season. Subscribe to the Blue-White Breakdown for continued Penn State football coverage, spring practice updates, and offseason analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal is joined by Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh to analyze Penn State's top NFL draft prospects, with a focus on Drew Allar’s pro day performance, Vega Ioane's rising stock, and potential draft landing spots. They also discuss other key players and positional trends heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Connect with Nick Farabaugh: LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Johnny McGonigal: Twitter Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Penn State football and NFL draft focus 01:52 Drew Allar’s pro day and draft evaluation 19:18 Vega Ioane's rise from fringe to top interior lineman 26:07 Other notable Penn State prospects 47:11 Final thoughts: best draft fits for Penn State players and the Steelers/Eagles preferences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders preview Penn State's Pro Day in State College on Wednesday. PSU has a deep group of former players who should be selected in the 2026 NFL draft in the spring. The cast includes quarterback Drew Allar, edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, Kaytron Allen, Zakee Wheatley and Nick Singleton. Allar, who had ankle surgery last fall, is expected to be in attendance. Johnny and Bob discuss the pros and cons of picking Allar early in the draft. Johnny and Bob also offer a few thoughts on PSU's upcoming spring practice sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With NFL free agency kicking off this week, more than a few Former Penn State Nittany Lions received big-time paydays. That includes specialists Jordan Stout and Chris Stoll, as well as marquee edge rusher Odafe Oweh. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal discuss the latest Penn State-related developments on Thursday’s edition of the Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders examine several interesting Penn State football storylines for Matt Campbell's first spring in State College on this episode. Max and Bob have their focus on Penn State's defensive end group, the offensive skill positions, the Lions' offensive tackles and a few more players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 NFL draft is less than a month away, which means it’s time for a PennLive mock draft. ⁠Johnny McGonigal⁠ and ⁠Nick Farabaugh⁠, PennLive’s ⁠Philadelphia Eagles⁠and ⁠Pittsburgh Steelers⁠ reporters, respectively, linked up for a special edition of the ⁠“Steelers Breakdown”⁠ and ⁠“Blue-White Breakdown”⁠podcasts.  McGonigal and Farabaugh went back and forth, completing a first-round mock draft covering all 32 picks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Penn State nears the start of 2026 spring practices, we continue our breakdowns of the Nittany Lions' position groups. Up next is the running backs, with an intriguing blend of transfers and returning talent. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal discuss on Thursday's Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders react to the performances and press conferences of Penn State's considerable contingent at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. PSU's list of players included Drew Allar, Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton, Vega Ioane, Zakee Wheatley, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant. Johnny was out in Indianapolis for the scouting combine and he shares his thoughts on some fine efforts by Dennis-Sutton, Durant, Wheatley and Allar. Bob and Johnny also look at were Ioane could go in the first round of the April draft and where Allar and Wheatley fit in the draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had our first chance to talk with many of Penn State’s transfers on Wednesday, and we learned plenty about Matt Campbell, his staff and the culture they’re building at Penn State. Notably, many Penn State returners have highlighted key changes in the culture compared to the past few years under now-Virginia Tech coach James Franklin. Max Ralph and Bob Flounders take you inside that culture change. They’ll also share further notes and takeaways from Wednesday’s availability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders discuss the recent comments made by Penn State offensive linemen Anthony Donkoh and Cooper Cousins during PSU's THON weekend. Donkoh and Cousins should be key contributors on the 2026 offensive line and they discussed why they wanted to return to State College. Plus, Max shares his thoughts on the many talents of  Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, who is coming off a huge weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State has a transfer-heavy group of wide receivers entering 2026, and they'll be led by an abruptly hired position coach after Noah Pauley left for a job with the Green Bay Packers. Max Ralph and Bob Flounders discuss the expected hire of Kashif Moore and project the depth chart for the Nittany Lions on Thursday's live edition of the Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph examine some of the more interesting Penn State players on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Matt Campbell and his defensive assistants are working with some talented Lions at all three levels — defensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. Four players that have the attention of Bob and Max are edge rusher Yvan Kemajou, linebacker Tony Rojas, cornerback Audavion Collins and linebacker-edge rusher LaVar Arrington II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal went live on the Blue-White Breakdown on Thursday to discuss the quarterback position, as well as some notes on the upcoming NFL Combine. Iowa State import Rocco Becht is in tow for his fourth year as a starter, while his primary backup from last season, Alex Manske, is also in place. Pair that with talented Division III transfer Connor Barry and a pair of upside high school signees, and you’re looking at a really strong group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph put the spotlight on some of Penn State's most intriguing players this offseason. Bob has just started a list of PSU's 25 most intriguing players and coaches on PennLive, and Bob and Max focus on a few on this episode. Defensive linemen, a young cornerback, a veteran defensive back and a veteran who is expected to lead the Lions' running back room are featured. Plus, Bob and Max share their thoughts on the Seattle-New England Super Bowl.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Bob Flounders spent nearly three hours with first-year Penn State coach Matt Campbell and all of his assistant coaches. They filled up their notebooks, and they're spilling all they learned about the 2026 Nittany Lions on Thursday's Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny McGonigal spent last week stationed in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl. The annual showcase event featured five Nittany Lions as they begin their journey to the NFL Draft. Johnny and Max Ralph discuss news, notes and takeaways from the week. They also recap Penn State's "Winter Weekend" featuring major hockey, wrestling and basketball showings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big Ten released its schedules for all 18 member universities on Tuesday. The news is good for Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have a highly manageable schedule in coach Matt Campbell’s debut campaign. Max Ralph and Bob Flounders join the Blue-White Breakdown to discuss the upcoming slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph touch on a variety of topics on this episode. New Penn State football coach Matt Campbell and his assistants have re-established relationships with some prime PSU recruiting targets. Bob and Max discuss some high-profile high school talents and their interactions with Campbell and his staff. Are some big names headed to State College? Plus, Bob and Max take a look at a couple of intriguing January true freshmen enrollees, and Max breaks down a huge outdoor weekend for Penn State's hockey teams. How cold will it be at Beaver Stadium on Friday and Saturday? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Micah Parsons’ big trade to the Green Bay Packers to Parker Washington’s surprise breakout with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Penn State alumni were plenty busy in the NFL in 2025. Three of the four remaining NFL teams playing in conference championships also have at least one Penn Stater on their active roster or practice squads, so you’ll see the blue and white represented in the Super Bowl once again. With Penn State and coach Matt Campbell in a relative lull in what has been an insane offseason, Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal take some time to reflect on Penn State’s NFL performances on the Thursday edition of the Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders discuss whether Matt Campbell's Penn State team is a top-25 worthy at the start of the offseason. The Nittany Lions were extremely active in the transfer portal. Max and Bob examine the former PSU players who joined James Franklin at Virginia Tech and also look at some players who will be missed in 2026. Plus, quick thoughts on Indiana's title game win over Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid all the transfer portal craziness, Penn State has also filled up the news cycle with Matt Campbell ironing out his coaching staff.  The latest official addition came in the form of running backs coach Savon Huggins. There have been a few big splashes, like defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.  Join Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal for the Blue-White Breakdown to discuss the staff in its entirety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders break down the work that Penn State coach Matt Campbell and his staff have done in the transfer portal on this episode. Bob and Max look at some PSU positions of strength and some potential problem areas heading into spring.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nittany Lions are up to 24 transfer commitments in just under a week of the portal being open. Which moves have been the best so far? Which positions still need to be addressed? Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal discuss on the Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders break down all the Penn State player movement since the transfer portal opened on Jan. 2. New head coach Matt Campbell and his staff have retained some key personnel while adding some good players from Campbell's former Iowa State program. The Lions also have lost some good players. How is Penn State doing, and what could happen next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transfer portal opened up on Friday, which means plenty of Penn State players are on their way out. But a few key names are also sticking around in Happy Valley. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal break it all down in this week's live Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph react to the news that former Penn State player D'Anton Lynn will become the Lions' new defensive coordinator, per multiple reports. Lynn was the USC defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Bob and Max also examine some early storylines and questions for Matt Campbell's Nittany Lions in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive’s Bob Flounders and Johnny McGonigal analyze Penn State’s 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal make their picks for the Nitany Lions’ 2025 finale. They also break down reviews of new head coach Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser from some of their most famous alumni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Chapel Fowler, Clemson reporter with the State News, dive into how Penn State and Clemson wound up in this position: Going from a projected national title matchup to the Pinstripe Bowl. Plus, they break down the positions most affected by opt outs and transfer entries for the upcoming bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss the potential impact of new Penn State wideouts coach Noah Pauley on this episode.  Developing wideouts at Penn State has been a major issue for more than decate. PSU may have a good one in Pauley, who was on Matt Campbell's staff at Iowa State. Johnny recently spoke with NFL wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, former Iowa State wideouts who were coached by Pauley. They raved about Pauley. Plus, Johnny and Bob discuss the news that former PSU quarterback Beau Pribula is expected to enter the transfer portal in January after spending the 2025 season at Missouri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to some of the recent players Matt Campbell has added to Penn State's 2026 recruiting class. Clearly, Campbell's Iowa State ties paid off with regard to some of the new Lions.  A few Penn State coaches will not return and Bob and Max reflect on their impact in State College. Plus, redshirt junior guard Vega Ioane opted out to get ready for the 2026 NFL draft. Ioane was great on the field and great in interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Campbell has been busy since his introduction as Penn State head coach this week. How will he fill out his staff and attack recruiting moving forward? Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal break it all down on the Blue-White Breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders goes solo on this episode of the Blue-White Breakdown. Bob shares his impressions of Matt Campbell's interactions with the Penn State media on Monday.Campbell, like Terry Smith before him this year, is a guy that understands what must happen for a team to be at its best in big games. Penn State was not at Its best under James Franklin during the first half of the 2024 season.Plus, Bob discusses Ty Howle's impact at Penn State. Howle, PSU's former tight ends coach, is leaving to join Franklin at Virginia Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s Matt Campbell is finally a Nittany Lion. He was introduced as the school’s 17th head coach Monday, and our Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal came away thoroughly impressed with the hire. From acknowledging Penn State’s tradition to thoughts on his roster-building philosophy, the guys dove into everything you need to know from the afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Penn State coach Matt Campbell is introduced to the media at Beaver Stadium. Check out instant analysis and first impressions from PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to the news that Iowa State's Matt Campbell is the choice to become Penn State's permanent new football coach.The selection of Campbell, pending approval of Penn State's Board of Trustees, caps a chaotic 54-day coaching search headed up by Penn State AD Pat Kraft.Max and Bob discuss the search, how Kraft was able to quickly pivot after losing out on BYU's Kalani Sitake, and what 2026 could bring with Campbell running the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat Kraft has swung and missed multiple times in Penn State's coaching search. Now, it's led to an unkind national signing day for Penn State. Where do the Nittany Lions go from here? Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal broke it all down in their latest live show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph look back on Penn State's entertaining shootout win over Rutgers on Saturday in Piscataway. Terry Smith's Nittany Lions looked like a different team in their final three games. Bob and Max reflect on what changed with Smith running the show. Plus, thoughts on Kaytron Allen's second half of the season, what a PSU roster could look like in a bowl game, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State beats Rutgers in a crazy game to finish 6-6 and be bowl eligible. Nicholas Singleton set the school touchdown record previously held by Saquon Barkley. Check out the instant analysis from PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into interim head coach Terry Smith’s candidacy for the full-time job at Penn State, while they also make their picks for Penn State’s final regular-season tilt with Rutgers. Happy Thanksgiving! Note: As Max mentioned on the air, his connection may be a bit questionable throughout this. We apologize for any issues throughout.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Terry Smith's Monday press conference ahead of Penn State's road trip to face Rutgers on Saturday. Smith was asked if he believes Penn State's senior players want to play in a bowl game if the Lions finish 6-6. Bob and Max discuss Smith's response. Plus, Bob and Max discuss quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer's growth in a starting role and share their thoughts on a couple of promising true freshmen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instant analysis from PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph after Penn State routs Nebraska, 37-10. Terry Smith has become a fan and player favorite for the new head coach and running back Kaytron Allen becomes all-time leading rusher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The longtime Nittany Lions head coach has already found his new home. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal share their reactions to the fit in Blacksburg. They'll also make their picks for Penn State's Senior Day matchup this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices