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In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane recap the Wisconsin loss and look ahead to Northwestern. No. 13 Penn State lost 24-20 to Wisconsin on Sept. 26 at Beaver Stadium in the Big Ten opener. The Nittany Lions led 17-0 after a Josiah Zayas 51-yard interception return. Wisconsin scored twice in the final four minutes, including a 72-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Harris with 1:13 left. Rocco Becht completed 12 of 29 passes for 129 yards and one interception. Penn State is 3-1 (0-1 Big Ten). The hosts examine the late collapse, the stalled offense after the early lead, the coverage breakdown on the winning score, and how the game slipped away.How does PSU respond? Cory and Shawn discuss what comes next after Matt Campbell’s first loss at Penn State. Penn State (3-1) visits Northwestern (2-1) on Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. ET at Ryan Field on FOX. The hosts preview the short-week road game and give their score predictions. Tune in for the full Wisconsin recap and Northwestern preview.   HARDCOREPSUFB PICK'EM | WEEK 5: https://forms.gle/MQ95vs1MWCPGP6v99 #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane recap the Buffalo win and look ahead to Wisconsin. No. 14 Penn State beat Buffalo 55-13 on Sept. 19 at Beaver Stadium to finish non-conference play 3-0. The Nittany Lions rushed for 304 yards and five touchdowns. Rocco Becht threw for 212 yards and two scores. Koby Howard scored twice. Combined score across the three non-conference games: 127-22. Cory and Shawn answer questions submitted by fans. The hosts assess where Penn State stands after Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo, including the improved run game, the Temple slow start, and penalties in the Buffalo win. No. 13 Penn State (3-0) hosts Wisconsin (2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium. The Big Ten opener is Homecoming and streams exclusively on Peacock. The hosts preview the matchup and give their score predictions.Tune in for the full Buffalo recap and Wisconsin preview.   HARDCOREPSUFB PICK'EM | WEEK 4: https://forms.gle/B3sCHjZNznjwJ8xd6

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane recap Week 2 and look ahead to Buffalo. No. 16 Penn State beat Temple 27-9 on Sept. 12 at Lincoln Financial Field to move to 2-0. The Nittany Lions trailed 3-0, went scoreless in the first quarter, then scored 27 unanswered points before Temple’s late touchdown. Rocco Becht completed 21 of 27 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The hosts break down the slow start on the road, the second-half response, and what the game showed about the offense and defense under Matt Campbell. Max Granville is out for the season. LaVar Arrington II remains out after knee surgery. Matt Campbell’s latest report heading into Buffalo includes expected returns for some defenders and at least one player listed as questionable. Penn State (2-0) hosts Buffalo (1-1) on Saturday, Sept. 19 at noon ET at Beaver Stadium on the Big Ten Network (THON Game). The hosts preview the matchup and give their score predictions. Cory and Shawn answer questions submitted by fans.Tune in for the full Temple recap and Buffalo preview. HARDCOREPSUFB PICK'EM | WEEK 3: https://forms.gle/CK1jKm8wJkFra17g9 #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane recap Week 1 and look ahead to Temple. No. 18 Penn State opened the Matt Campbell era with a 45-0 win over Marshall on Sept. 5 at Beaver Stadium. Rocco Becht completed 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns. Koby Howard had six catches for 161 yards and a score. The announced crowd was 108,489. The hosts break down takeaways from the shutout, including the passing attack, the defense holding Marshall to 147 total yards, and areas that still need work, such as the run game. Matt Campbell’s latest updates: LaVar Arrington II is out 4–6 weeks after a knee cleanup procedure. Gabe Burkle and Alex Tatsch are expected to be available vs. Temple. Armstrong Nnodim, Alijah Carnell, and Owen Aliciene are listed as questionable after missing the opener. Penn State (1-0) visits Temple (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at noon ET at Lincoln Financial Field on ESPN2. The hosts preview the matchup and give their score predictions. Cory and Shawn answer questions submitted by fans. Tune in for the full Week 1 recap and Temple preview. HARDCOREPSUFB PICK'EM | WEEK 2: https://forms.gle/ZRM5jiKY3rXLwiRx5 #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane recap the end of fall camp and look ahead to Week 1. Camp Over Penn State wrapped training camp, which began August 5, and has now shifted into game-week preparation for the season opener. Victory Day Notes The Nittany Lions closed camp with Victory Day at Beaver Stadium, a tradition Matt Campbell brought from Toledo and Iowa State. Children with disabilities and their families were invited onto the field for drills, tunnel walks with the Blue Band, and touchdown celebrations. Marshall Preview Penn State opens the 2026 season Saturday, September 5 vs. Marshall at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1. The episode covers game details, Marshall’s roster under coach Tony Gibson, and key matchups. Score & Bold Predictions Cory and Shawn give their score predictions for Penn State vs. Marshall and additional bold predictions. Fan Questions The hosts answer questions submitted by fans. Tune in for the full camp wrap-up and Marshall preview.   HARDCOREPSUFB PICK'EM | WEEK 1: https://forms.gle/nXmukZXNHmqEZY5AA #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane deliver a full season preview for the 2026 Nittany Lions. The discussion covers the state of the program heading into Matt Campbell’s first season as head coach, including roster construction and key storylines. Cory and Shawn share their record projections and outlook for Penn State in 2026. Fan Poll Results Results from fan polls on expectations for the season are reviewed and discussed. A breakdown of the 2026 schedule, including non-conference openers against Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo, followed by Big Ten games against Wisconsin, Northwestern, USC, Michigan, Purdue, Washington, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Maryland. The hosts offer bold predictions for the season.Tune in for the complete 2026 season preview. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs!

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane preview the Penn State defense heading into the 2026 season. The discussion covers the overall structure of the defense under new leadership, personnel changes, and how the unit is expected to operate. The episode examines the additions and size emphasis on the defensive line through transfer portal acquisitions. Coverage includes D’Anton Lynn as the new defensive coordinator, his background, and approach to the unit. Cory and Shawn share bold predictions for the defense and address questions submitted by fans.Tune in for the full defensive preview!   Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane preview the Penn State offense heading into the 2026 season. The discussion covers the structure of the offense under first-year head coach Matt Campbell, including scheme elements, personnel groupings, and how the unit is expected to operate. Reports project multiple Iowa State transfers as offensive starters. These include quarterback Rocco Becht along with running back Carson Hansen, offensive linemen Trevor Buhr, tight end Ben Brahmer, and wide receivers Chase Sowell and/or Brett Eskildsen. The episode examines the continuity on the offensive staff with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, all of whom previously coached at Iowa State under Matt Campbell. Cory and Shawn share bold predictions for the unit’s performance and key contributors in 2026. We take your bold predictions and answer your questions about this offense. Tune in for the full offensive preview! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

Shawn holds down the (Khari) Fort halfway through

Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast - Episode 149: Spring Ball Complete, Record 8 NFL Draft Picks, and the Recruiting Trail is BLAZING Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your ultimate destination for raw Nittany Lions analysis, insider recruiting scoops, and no-holds-barred debate! In this episode – dropping April 30, 2026 – hosts Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane deliver the definitive spring wrap-up as Matt Campbell’s first full offseason comes to a close. We break down everything from the final practices and Blue-White Game takeaways, to Penn State tying a program record with 8 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the white-hot recruiting momentum that has the staff piling up commitments and offers left and right. If you’re a die-hard Lion, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for all spring! Spring ball is officially DONE after the Blue-White Game on April 25, and the energy in Happy Valley is electric! Cory and Shawn recap the biggest takeaways from 15 practices under head coach Matt Campbell: the intense running back competition, massive strides by the offensive line (thanks to all those Iowa State transfers), and a defense that looks night-and-day better under D’Anton Lynn. Cory breaks down what this spring means for the 2026 depth chart and which position groups still need a portal push before fall camp. Historic weekend in the NFL Draft for the Nittany Lions! Penn State tied the program record with EIGHT players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including multiple Day 2 picks and a single first-rounder. Shawn walks through every selection while Cory talks about the emotional send-off for standouts like Nick Singleton (Senior Bowl injury) and the defensive stars who cashed in big. We also discuss how Campbell’s player-development focus and the NIL-to-NFL pipeline are paying dividends and what this record draft says about the program’s trajectory. The staff is absolutely on FIRE! With spring evaluations wrapped, Penn State has gone ballistic on the recruiting trail. Cory details the latest commitments and flips that have the 2027 class climbing back into the national top 15, while Shawn spotlights the 2027 surge — including multiple five-star targets who visited recently and immediately received big-time offers. We cover key position needs being attacked (OL, EDGE, DB), how Campbell’s “family-first” pitch is landing with recruits, and the continued impact of the Iowa State pipeline on high-school targets. Plus, early buzz on potential 2028 names and how the spring performance is helping close top prospects right now. If you’re pumped about the Campbell era, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Drop your biggest spring takeaway or favorite new recruit in the comments — we read every single one and may shout you out next time. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the go-to podcast for hardcore analysis, recruiting scoops, and unapologetic takes on the Nittany Lions! In this episode – dropping January 28, 2026 – hosts Shawn Kane and Cory Lestochi unpack a massive week in Happy Valley as the Matt Campbell era ramps up. We're diving into the freshly released 2026 Big Ten schedule, the transfer portal's chaotic close with key wins and losses, Beaver Stadium's transformation into a hockey haven, and the flurry of offers to the 2027 class following a pivotal visit weekend. From on-field projections to offseason buzz, this episode sets the stage for PSU's bounce-back year – don't miss it! The wait is over – the Big Ten drops the 2026 football slate, and Penn State's path looks primed for contention under Campbell! Shawn breaks down the full lineup: Non-con openers vs. Marshall (Sept. 5, home), at Temple (Sept. 12), and vs. Buffalo (Sept. 19, home); Big Ten kicks off with Wisconsin (Sept. 26, home - potential Stripeout), at Northwestern (Oct. 3), USC (Oct. 10, home - Whiteout candidate), at Michigan (Oct. 17), bye (Oct. 24), Purdue (Oct. 31, home), at Washington (Nov. 7), Minnesota (Nov. 14, home), at Rutgers (Nov. 21), and Maryland (Nov. 28, home). Cory analyzes tough road tests (Michigan, Washington) vs. favorable home draws, early win projections (9-3 floor?), and how Campbell's schemes exploit matchups. We debate fan themes, travel logistics, and playoff implications in the expanded CFP era. The winter portal slammed shut on January 16, capping a wild rebuild for PSU with over 40 departures but a massive influx of talent – including 39 transfers and 11 high school signees for over 50 newcomers! Cory spotlights additions like edge rusher Elijah Reeder (late 2026 signee from New Jersey), seven new defensive linemen for trench depth, and RB Cam Wallace's portal withdrawal for a return. Shawn covers losses like DE Chaz Coleman and QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, mixed grades (strong Iowa State pipeline but underwhelming elsewhere), early enrollees, and how this reshapes the roster for spring ball. We discuss NIL impacts, retention successes, and Big Ten comparisons. Happy Valley's iconic venue goes winter wonderland! Beaver Stadium hosts Penn State men's hockey vs. Michigan State on January 31 at 1 PM, with public skating kicking off today (Jan. 28) and women's hockey vs. Robert Morris the day before. Shawn shares the time-lapse of the ice rink setup, ticket info, and fan excitement for this historic outdoor clash. Cory discusses the games, weather prep, and how it boosts PSU's multi-sport vibe – plus, crossover appeal for football fans tailgating in the snow!   Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your unfiltered deep dive into Nittany Lions news, analysis, and fan-driven discussions! In this episode – dropping January 8, 2026 – hosts Cory Lestochi & Shawn Kane kick off the new year by celebrating the 2025 season with our annual fan-voted award show, debating Penn State's transfer portal performance so far, and breaking down the latest defensive line additions amid the ongoing roster rebuild under Matt Campbell. With the portal window in full swing, we're unpacking the highs, lows, and what it all means for a reloaded 2026 squad. Whether you're reminiscing about last season or hyped for the future, this one's for the true blue-and-white faithful! It's time for the third annual Hardies Award Show – our fan-powered recap of the 2025 Nittany Lions campaign! Voted on exclusively by you, the listeners and followers, we reveal winners in categories like Offensive MVP (shoutout to RB Kaytron Allen's monster 1,303-yard, 15-TD season), Defensive Standout, Best Game (that 37-10 Nebraska blowout), Worst Moment (the heartbreaking Northwestern loss), and more surprises.   The portal frenzy has been chaotic for PSU, with over 40 players exiting and a heavy influx from Iowa State – but is it enough, or have the Nittany Lions fallen short? Shawn argues the case for underwhelm, pointing to massive losses like QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, multiple DEs (Zuriah Fisher, Jaylen Harvey, Chaz Coleman), and the need for more high-impact non-ISU additions amid a $30M NIL commitment. Cory counters with the positives: 24 incoming transfers (including QB Rocco Becht and RB James Peoples from Ohio State), key retentions like LB Tony Rojas and OT Anthony Donkoh, and how Campbell's strategy avoids over-relying on portal-heavy rebuilds that often flop. We debate fan opinions from social media and break down position-by-position impacts on the offense and defense. The DL room gets a much-needed boost! Amid heavy losses (Dani Dennis-Sutton to NFL, Xavier Gilliam and others to portal), PSU lands key additions like DT Keanu Williams (from UCLA, a plug-and-play interior force), DL Alijah Carnell (from Iowa State, 6-6, 290-pound athlete with Big 12 experience), DT Armstrong Nnodim (from Oklahoma State, 11 tackles in 2025 as a redshirt freshman), and EDGE Alexander McPherson (from Colorado, 6-6, 250-pounder with three years left and 16 tackles as a rookie).   Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs!

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the ultimate podcast for raw breakdowns, insider intel, and bold takes on the Nittany Lions! In this explosive episode – dropping January 6, 2026 – hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi dissect the chaotic transfer portal frenzy reshaping Happy Valley under head coach Matt Campbell. With over 30 players bolting and a flood of Iowa State talent incoming, we're covering the blockbuster addition of QB Rocco Becht, the raid on Cyclone players (including three key linebackers & receivers), record-setting departures, new defensive line coaches, and crucial retentions keeping PSU competitive. From roster rebuilds to Big Ten implications, this is your essential guide to the 2026 Nittany Lions. The portal delivers a game-changer! Former Iowa State starter Rocco Becht, with 26 career wins and 64 passing TDs (second in Cyclones history), commits to PSU for his final season, reuniting with coach Campbell. Shawn analyzes Becht's stats (over 5,000 yards in two seasons as a starter) and film, highlighting his accuracy, mobility, and leadership in leading ISU to an 8-4 record in 2025. Cory discusses how this stabilizes the QB room post-Ethan Grunkemeyer's exit and sets up an immediate contender vibe for 2026. Campbell's Ames pipeline is open wide – PSU lands 19 transfers from Iowa State, including All-Big 12 standouts and starters galore. We spotlight the three linebackers: Kooper Ebel (149 career tackles, two-year starter), Caleb Bacon (team-leading 9.5 TFLs and 3 sacks in 2025), and Cael Brezina (young depth piece). Other highlights: RB Carson Hansen (952 rush yards), TE Benjamin Brahmer (All-Big 12, 6 TDs), S Marcus Neal (77 tackles), and more like WR Karon Brookins and OL Trevor Buhr. Our hosts break down how this "Cyclone invasion" addresses defensive gaps and adds proven Big 12 experience. The coaching transition hits hard – over 30 Nittany Lions enter the portal, a program high amid the Franklin-to-Campbell shift. Shawn details key losses like QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, S King Mack (58 tackles), OT J'ven Williams, WR Josiah Brown, and DEs like Zuriah Fisher and Jaylen Harvey. Cory explores the ripple effects on depth, NIL factors, and how Campbell's staff is plugging holes fast. Bolstering the trenches! PSU hires Ikaika Malloe (former UCLA DC) as DL coach and run game coordinator, reuniting him with new DC D'Anton Lynn. We also discuss the pursuit of Northwestern's Christian Smith for another DL role, specifically working with the defensive ends. Shawn evaluates Malloe's track record (Hawaii native, West Coast coaching ties) and how he replaces Deion Barnes, emphasizing run defense schemes. Cory predicts impacts on recruits and transfers like DT Keanu Williams. Amid the chaos, big wins in retention! Standouts sticking around include LB Tony Rojas (star returnee), OL Anthony Donkoh, Cooper Cousins, and five-star OT Malachi Goodman; CB Daryus Dixson; five-star RB Quinton Martin Jr.; WR Koby Howard; DE Max Granville; and TE Andrew Rappleyea. Our hosts rank the top retentions (Dixson No. 1 for secondary stability) and debate how these holdovers blend with portal additions for a playoff-caliber squad. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs!

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the premier podcast delivering raw analysis, exclusive breakdowns, and unfiltered passion for everything Nittany Lions! In this post-holiday special – recorded December 29, 2025 – hosts Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi celebrate the end of a turbulent 2025 season while looking ahead to the Matt Campbell rebuild. Fresh off a gritty bowl win, we're dissecting the victory over Clemson, the blockbuster hire of D'Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator, the impending transfer portal opening, and answering your fan questions. From on-field heroics to offseason strategy, this episode is your roadmap to PSU's 2026 resurgence in the Big Ten. Despite a sloppy, error-filled game on both sides, PSU (finishing 7-6) dominated with a stout defense and timely plays, holding the Tigers (also 7-6) to just one touchdown. We discuss interim coaching impacts, fan reactions in the Bronx cold, and how this win provides closure to the James Franklin era while boosting morale for Campbell's takeover. Big news from Happy Valley – Matt Campbell has landed USC's D'Anton Lynn as PSU's new DC! The former Nittany Lion letterman (a standout player in the early 2010s) is returning home after two successful seasons transforming USC's defense. Shawn dives into Lynn's coaching pedigree – son of NFL coach Anthony Lynn, with stints at UCLA and the Ravens – and why his aggressive, player-development-focused schemes are a perfect fit for PSU's talent-laden unit. We explore the pursuit (Franklin chased him last offseason), contract buzz, and potential staff additions like Rob Ryan. The offseason heats up as the NCAA's new singular winter transfer portal window officially opens this Friday, January 2, 2026, running through January 16! With the spring window eliminated starting this cycle, this 15-day frenzy is make-or-break for roster building. Our hosts preview PSU's strategy under Campbell: Targeting QBs, OL reinforcements, and defensive depth to fill gaps from graduations and NFL declarations. We discuss early announcements (players can signal intent now), NIL implications, and rivals' moves. Cory warns of potential outgoing transfers like underutilized backups, while Shawn spotlights portal gems that could flip the script for 2026. You asked, we deliver! In our extended mailbag, we tackle your top queries from social media and email – What does Lynn's hire mean for the scheme? Who's PSU's top portal target? Bowl MVP debates? And more. If this episode has you pumped for the Campbell era, smash LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and enable notifications for instant drops! Comment below: Biggest win from the bowl, or most excited about Lynn? Share with your PSU crew! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs!

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your no-holds-barred hub for expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes scoops, and unapologetic opinions on the Nittany Lions! In this timely episode – dropping just after Christmas on December 26, 2025 – hosts Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane tackle the latest twists in Happy Valley as the Matt Campbell era takes shape. With the Pinstripe Bowl looming, we're covering the stinging loss of DL coach Deion Barnes to South Carolina, the surging 2026 recruiting class hitting nine commits, and how PSU is gearing up for a showdown with Clemson. From staff shakeups to future stars and bowl game strategies, this episode delivers the intel you need to stay ahead of the curve in Big Ten football. Ouch – another hit to the coaching staff! We start with the breaking news that defensive line coach Deion Barnes, a PSU alum and rising star in coaching circles, is bolting for South Carolina to join Shane Beamer's staff as their new DL coach and co-defensive coordinator. Barnes, who played a key role in developing beasts like Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, leaves a void after just a few seasons in Happy Valley. Recruiting is heating up under Campbell! After a rocky start with decommits following the coaching change, PSU has clawed back to nine verbal commitments in the 2026 class. Can Penn State get to 15 commits? Penn State takes on Clemson, Saturday, December 27th in Yankee Stadium. A matchup everyone at the beginning of the season thought could be for a National Championship, is now set for a meaningless bowl game. How will the team prepare? Coach Terry Smith leads the team one more time as interim head coach. If you're amped for the bowl and the Campbell rebuild, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell for instant updates! Drop your reactions below: Devastated by Barnes' exit, or excited for fresh blood? Tag a fellow fan and spread the word! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions