Advertise on podcast: State Media

Before becoming a Penn State football captain and the defensive green dot, Kooper Ebel was a dual-threat high school quarterback who rushed for an incredible 2,500 yards. Now, the Nittany Lions linebacker joins De’Andre Cook and Donnie Harbour on The Lions Den to reveal his journey from small-town Iowa to Happy Valley.Kooper opens up about growing up in Iowa, his father's influence on his football career, the transition from Iowa State to Penn State, and the lessons that helped him develop into a vocal leader of the Nittany Lions defense. He also explains the responsibility of wearing the green dot and communicating with his teammates on the field.The conversation takes a hilarious turn when Kooper reveals his high school rushing numbers, leaving De’Andre and Donnie debating whether he played more like Lamar Jackson or Taysom Hill. Kooper also recalls getting humbled by future NFL receiver Jayden Higgins during Iowa State practice, shares stories about the personalities inside Penn State's defense, including Tony Rojas and John Klosterman, and reflects on the unforgettable atmosphere of his first Penn State White Out.From quarterback to linebacker, Iowa State to Linebacker U, Kooper Ebel shares the experiences that shaped him as a player, teammate, and leader, along with the advice he'd give his younger self.What surprised you most about Kooper's journey? Let us know in the comments!Presented by @PAMHealth https://pamhealth.com/ - A specialized healthcare provider operating over 70 locations across the United States that delivers post-acute medical and rehabilitation care.

Penn State football's margin for error is getting smaller. After another frustrating loss to Michigan, Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down the costly turnovers, missed opportunities, and critical moments that shaped the Nittany Lions' performance. What needs to change for Penn State to turn competitive games into wins? The State Wide crew examines the details that make the difference in the Big Ten.Penn State cornerback Audavion Collins joins Brian Tripp for an exclusive interview about his journey, development, and growing leadership role with the Nittany Lions. Collins shares how growing up undersized and competing against his siblings helped shape his physical approach to football. He also discusses the influence of Terry Smith and D'Anton Lynn, the importance of responding to adversity, and why playing cornerback requires a one-play mentality.Beyond Happy Valley, Hackenberg and Tripp tackle two major conversations shaping college football's future: Manny Diaz's proposed transfer portal reforms and the debate surrounding a 24-team College Football Playoff. Hackenberg raises concerns about increased injuries, roster limitations, the physical demands placed on student-athletes, and the lack of player representation in decisions about the sport. Tripp offers a different perspective, explaining how expanding the playoff could give more programs something meaningful to compete for deep into the regular season.Do you think a 24-team College Football Playoff would make college football better, or put too much strain on its players? Share your thoughts in the comments. Presented by @PAMHealth https://pamhealth.com/ - A specialized healthcare provider operating over 70 locations across the United States that delivers post-acute medical and rehabilitation care.

Penn State vs. Michigan could be a turning point for both programs. Former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg and former Michigan defensive lineman Chris Wormley break down Saturday's Big Ten showdown, Bryce Underwood's struggles, and what both teams must do to get their seasons back on track.After Penn State's 31-23 White Out loss to USC, Christian Hackenberg and Tripp examine why the Nittany Lions finally showed signs of progress under Matt Campbell. From Rocco Becht's connection with Chase Sowell to offensive adjustments and renewed confidence, was the USC game a sign of better things to come?Then, former Michigan standout and Champ Media host Chris Wormley joins Hackenberg to provide an inside perspective on the Wolverines. Wormley discusses Bryce Underwood's inconsistency, Michigan's need for a more dependable running game, and why Saturday's matchup could determine the direction of both programs.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State football suffered another heartbreaking loss, falling 31-23 to USC in the White Out at Beaver Stadium. But Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley believe there's more to this Penn State team than the final score suggests.On this episode of The Pocket, the former Penn State standouts deliver their analysis of the Nittany Lions' loss to Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans, examining what improved, what went wrong, and what must change before Penn State travels to face Michigan.Hackenberg and Haley discuss Rocco Becht's development, Andrew Rappleyea's impact, Penn State's red-zone struggles, and the defensive pressure problems that allowed USC quarterback Jayden Maiava to make big plays.They also examine head coach Matt Campbell's process-driven approach, the importance of accountability, and why Penn State's locker room must stay together through adversity.Penn State fans: What concerns you most right now—offensive execution, the pass rush, or finishing games? Let us know in the comments.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Christian Hackenberg is taking a Penn State White Out rookie shopping! The former Nittany Lions quarterback teams up with Will at Family Clothesline in State College to find the perfect outfit for one of college football's most iconic traditions.With Penn State's first White Out of the Matt Campbell era approaching, Hackenberg guides Will through classic Nittany Lions logos, retro apparel, new Adidas gear, and the unwritten rules of dressing for a White Out at Beaver Stadium.Along the way, Christian shares his favorite State College spots, his thoughts on Penn State's apparel, unforgettable memories of playing in the White Out, and what he misses most about wearing the blue and white.From debating whether cream counts as white to finding the perfect game-day look, it's a shopping trip filled with laughs, Penn State nostalgia, and Happy Valley tradition.Which Penn State White Out look would YOU choose? Let us know in the comments!Subscribe to State Media for exclusive Penn State football interviews, behind-the-scenes experiences, and original Nittany Lions content.Presented by The Family Clothesline: https://www.pennstateclothes.com/

Brian Tripp and former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg break down how the Nittany Lions respond following a difficult night at Northwestern and what Penn State must establish before its White Out matchup with USC.Hackenberg explains why consistency starts with identity, why Penn State may need to simplify its approach and how stacking positive plays can help the Nittany Lions regain momentum. He also breaks down Northwestern's unconventional approach, why the Wing T can create problems for modern defenses and why USC is unlikely to simply copy the same blueprint.Then, Hackenberg looks ahead to USC and explains how Penn State can lean on Danton Lynn's familiarity with the Trojans, an experienced roster and one of college football's most intimidating environments.Brian and Hack also revisit some of their favorite White Out memories before Brian previews Penn State Hockey as the Nittany Lions begin their season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/Subscribe for more Penn State football analysis, exclusive athlete interviews and Nittany Lions athletics coverage.

Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley hit reset on Penn State football after back-to-back Big Ten losses and look ahead to a massive White Out matchup against USC.On this episode of The Pocket, Hackenberg and Haley break down what went wrong against Northwestern, the issues Penn State faced in the trenches, whether the Nittany Lions’ struggles are more mental or physical, and why execution and confidence remain critical moving forward.They also discuss the changing landscape of college football, how NIL and the transfer portal have created more parity across the sport, Penn State’s offensive rhythm, expectations surrounding Matt Campbell, and why Saturday night against USC presents an opportunity to change the conversation.Pressure makes diamonds. Now, how does Penn State respond?Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State defensive tackle Dallas Vakalahi joins The Lions Den to talk about his journey from Utah to Happy Valley, why Penn State was the right next step and what he brings to a deep Nittany Lions defensive line.Vakalahi reveals that he once played running back, reflects on representing his Tongan heritage at the Polynesian Bowl and tells the hilarious story of getting pancaked on his first day of college football — followed immediately by a “Welcome to college football.” He also breaks down his physical approach at defensive tackle, his ability to disrupt the running game and what he’s still working to improve.Plus, the guys talk about the depth of Penn State’s defensive line, the funniest personalities in the room, Dallas getting posted by Bleacher Report without receiving a tag, and preparing for Northwestern.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down Penn State’s loss to Wisconsin and examine how the Nittany Lions let the lead slip away.The State Wide crew looks at the moments that changed the game, why establishing a strong rushing attack remains so important for Penn State’s offense, and what needs to improve moving forward.Plus, Penn State tight end Gabe Burkle joins the show for an exclusive conversation about his season, the offense and life inside the Nittany Lions program.Subscribe for more Penn State football analysis, exclusive interviews and State Wide every week.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Christian Hackenberg puts Nittanyville’s Aaron to the test in the latest Weis Tailgate of the Game. Aaron has just 4 minutes to race through Weis Markets and grab everything needed for the ultimate Penn State tailgate — burgers, sausage, chips, condiments, plates and more.The problem? Finding those plates proves a little harder than expected.Watch Hackenberg break down Aaron’s shopping strategy, see how many tailgate essentials he can grab before time expires, and find out whether he can challenge Gorski for the top spot.Plus, Aaron gives a shoutout to Nittanyville and looks ahead to one of Penn State football’s biggest traditions: the White Out.Presented by Weis Markets: https://www.weismarkets.com/

Penn State let a 17-0 lead slip away in a 24-20 loss to Wisconsin — but what actually went wrong?On this episode of The Pocket, former Penn State standouts Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley break down the Nittany Lions’ first loss of the season and explain why the result was unacceptable without believing it’s time to panic.Hackenberg and Haley dive into Penn State’s offensive struggles, missed opportunities in the red zone, Rocco Becht and the passing game, the impact of playing without Koby Howard, the run game, the defense’s performance and whether the Nittany Lions became too conservative after taking control early.They also tackle the bigger picture surrounding Matt Campbell’s new-look Penn State program: expectations in modern college football, NIL and constant roster turnover, how quickly a new coaching staff should be expected to win, what happens inside a locker room after a loss like this and why Friday night at Northwestern presents an immediate opportunity to respond.The loss hurts. The problems are real. But the season is far from over.Subscribe for more episodes of The Pocket with Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley throughout the Penn State football season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State is heading into Big Ten play, but Christian Hackenberg sees one area the Nittany Lions MUST improve before facing Wisconsin.After Penn State's 55-13 win over Buffalo, Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down what the first three games have revealed about Matt Campbell's team. From Rocco Becht's play at quarterback and a 304-yard rushing performance to the questions surrounding Koby Howard's availability, the Nittany Lions face their first major conference test.Can Penn State's offense maintain its explosive production against Wisconsin? How could a potential absence for Koby Howard change the game plan? And why does Hackenberg believe the Nittany Lions need to improve their red-zone execution?Plus, the guys preview the Wisconsin Badgers, examine Penn State's defensive depth and special teams, discuss Lane Kiffin and the college football landscape, and cover the latest Penn State women's volleyball, hockey and baseball news.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State put up 55 points against Buffalo, but the biggest question is whether anyone can stop this Nittany Lions offense when Big Ten play begins.Christian Hackenberg and Grant Haley return to The Pocket to break down Penn State's win over Buffalo, evaluate the Nittany Lions through their first three games, and preview the upcoming matchup against Wisconsin.With a 300-yard rushing performance, creative offensive personnel packages, and an increasingly versatile group of playmakers, Penn State is giving opposing defenses plenty to think about. But what happens when the Nittany Lions face a more physical Big Ten opponent?Hackenberg and Haley dive into the offensive scheme, Rocco Becht's efficiency, Koby Howard's emergence, the development of Penn State's defensive depth, and the players who could make the biggest difference as conference play begins.The guys also hand out their early-season grades, discuss what Wisconsin brings to Beaver Stadium, and react to the biggest storylines across college football, including Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford and upcoming Big Ten matchups.Can Penn State carry its early-season momentum into conference play? Drop your biggest takeaway from the Buffalo game in the comments!Subscribe for more episodes of The Pocket, Penn State football analysis, exclusive athlete interviews, and Nittany Lions coverage from State Media.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Four minutes. 15 tailgate essentials. One Penn State fan racing against the clock. One lucky Penn State fan takes on the ultimate Penn State tailgating challenge inside Weis Markets, where he has just FOUR MINUTES to find 15 essential items for the perfect game day tailgate.From burgers and hot sausage to chips, dips, and all the game day necessities, he races through the aisles as the clock ticks down. Can he find everything before time runs out?Plus, he walks away with a $300 Weis Markets gift card! Watch until the end to see how many items he finds and whether next week's contestant will have a chance to beat his score.Stay tuned to State Media for more Penn State football, Nittany Lions content, and Tailgate of the Game challenges throughout the season.Subscribe for more Penn State athletics and game day entertainment!Presented by Weis Markets: https://www.weismarkets.com/

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down the latest Penn State Football headlines after the Nittany Lions’ win over Temple and ahead of their matchup with Buffalo.Hackenberg explains the one area he still wants to see improve in Penn State’s offense, why explosive runs could unlock the entire attack, and what he’s seen from the Nittany Lions’ depth through the opening weeks of the season.The guys also discuss the season-ending injury to Max Granville, Penn State’s defensive performance, the running back rotation, the upcoming Big Ten schedule and Hackenberg’s memories of Penn State’s unforgettable 2013 four-overtime win over Michigan.Later, Brian sits down with Penn State wrestler Jaden James to discuss why he chose Penn State, training alongside world and Olympic champions, the culture inside the wrestling room and his decision to gray shirt before beginning his collegiate career.Plus, Brian and Christian discuss a new proposal involving international athletes in college sports and what changes like it could mean for programs across the country.Subscribe for more Penn State Football, Penn State Wrestling and Nittany Lions coverage.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/