A daily weekday briefing of Penn State Football. All the top headlines and news about James Franklin's Nittany Lions in State College.
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
PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Terry Smith's news conference with Penn State prepping to face Nebraska on Senior Day on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium. Smith got extremely emotional when asked about some of the people in his life that he heard from after PSU's 28-10 win over Michigan State on Saturday. The Lions can get to 6-6 with wins over Nebraska and Rutgers. Plus, Kaytron Allen is 139 rushing yards away from becoming Penn State's all-time rushing leader. Smith also gave a glowing review of true freshman corner Daryus Dixson's play against Michigan State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Penn State breaks its six-game losing streak with a 28-10 win over Michigan State. Listen to the instant analysis form PennLive's Max Ralph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal make their picks for the PSU-MSU game — the battle for the Land-Grant Trophy — on this week's live podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Penn State head coach Terry Smith's Monday press conference with the Nittany Lions prepping to face Michigan State on Saturday in East Lansing. The Nittany Lions, losers of six consecutive games, extended No. 2 Indiana to the limit on Saturday before a late IU touchdown foiled PSU's upset bid. Smith praised redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer for his second-half performance against the Hoosiers and had some interesting comments on why the Lions' vertical passing game finally got untracked. Plus, Max and Bob share a couple of updates on edge rusher Chaz Coleman and offensive lineman TJ Shanahan Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's Thursday show features Bob Flounders and Max Ralph making their predictions for Penn State's matchup with No. 2 Indiana. They also offer their thoughts on the ongoing coaching search. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph are back to share their takeaways from Penn State coach Terry Smith's Monday press conference. The 3-5 Nittany Lions, losers of five consecutive games, tangle with No. 2 Indiana on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Smith had some interesting thoughts on the Penn State cornerbacks' woeful play in the team's 38-14 loss to Ohio State last Saturday in Columbus. Bob and Max also discuss true freshman wideout Koby Howard's role moving forward as Smith and his offensive assistants look to add some juice to the Penn State passing game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph analyze the Nittany Lions' collapse after a competitive first half. They highlight significant post-snap breakdowns on Penn State's defense, particularly in the secondary, which allowed Ohio State's receivers to dominate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into their predictions for the Penn State-Ohio State game this week, where the Nittany Lions are nearly three-touchdown underdogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders is joined by Doug Lesmerises on this episode. Lesmerises, a former Ohio State football columnist for Cleveland.com, writes about Ohio State football and is part of “The Bill and Doug Show” podcast with Bill Landis. Bob and Doug discuss what went wrong for James Franklin at Penn State and focus on what the program should be looking for in its next permanent head coach. Doug makes it clear that PSU should not be considering Brian Kelly. Plus, Doug discusses what makes the Penn State coaching job such an attractive position. Bob and Doug also mention some coaching candidates PSU should consider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders is joined by special guest Stephen Means of Cleveland.com to discuss Penn State's 2025 demise and the unbeaten Ohio State Buckeyes' bid to repeat as national champions. OSU hosts Terry Smith's Nittany Lions on Saturday afternoon at the Horseshoe. Means goes into detail on how Ohio State has produced another fantastic season after losing so many talented players from its 2024 championship team. Stephen also shares his thoughts on how last year's Buckeyes were able to rebound from a crushing regular-season loss to Michigan and why Penn State never recovered from this year's Oregon loss. Plus, check out the Buckeye Talk podcast on Cleveland.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Penn State ranks as one of the nation's worst offenses despite bringing back a ton of veteran talent and a second-year play caller. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into what they've seen from the Nittany Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph have a lot of ground to cover on this episode.Playing under the direction of interim head coach Terry Smith, Penn State pushed Iowa to the limit before losing in Iowa City on Saturday night. What were the positive takeaways from the Nittany Lions' effort? What were the main reasons PSU's losing streak is at four games and counting? Bob and Max also discuss Kaytron Allen's standout effort vs. the Hawkeyes and the impact safety Zake Wheatley has made in recent games. Plus, Penn State's veteran wideouts ... what's the deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Bob Flounders analyzes Penn State's 25-24 loss at Iowa. It was interim head coach Terry Smith's first game as well as the start of the Ethan Grunkemeyer era at quarterback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PennLive's Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal break down the early portion of Penn State's coaching search and dive into what will happen in Iowa City this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Head coach James Franklin is out at Penn State, cornerbacks coach Terry Smith is in. PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph analysis from Athletic Director Pat Kraft's press conference the day after the firing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bob Flounders and Max Ralph dive into the sudden departure of James Franklin as Penn State's head coach. They discuss the implications of this change, the interim leadership of Terry Smith, and what it means for the future of Penn State football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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