Penn State Update | Penn State Football Daily Briefing

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss Dan Connor's journey back to Penn State as a defensive coach. Connor, PSU's all-time leading tackler as a linebacker, is now back in State College coaching the position for James Franklin.  Oregon playing PSU in a prime-time White Out game? Bob argues it could have been worse. The Ducks, a West Coast team, could have been forced to play the game at noon, which would have essentially been a 9 a.m. kickoff for them. Plus, Johnny and Bob look at two PSU greats who are deserving of spots in the College Football Hall of Fame — Courtney Brown and Ki-Jana Carter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nittany Lions will take on Oregon on Sept. 27 in a night game. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal tackle what it means and why it's a win on many levels, plus some in-depth recruiting talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders take a look at the revised college football playoff structure for 2025 on this episode. It will be a straight seeding model to get to the 12 qualifiers. Johnny and Bob also highlight some second-year Lions who are poised to make a major impact. Johnny also makes a bold prediction involving one of Penn State's second-year players. Plus, Johnny discusses some Penn State positional needs with regard to the Lions' already impressive 2026 recruiting class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dug in on Penn State's latest roster additions, which included noteworthy transfers Trebor Pena and Amare Campbell. They also discussed DE Daniel Jennings' reclassification to 2025 and the future of 2026 recruiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss some predictions involving James Franklin's 2025 Penn State Nittany Lions. Will the Nittany Lions have a 1,000-yard wideout, given the additions the team made at the position? Will PSU beat Ohio State? And here is an interesting one: Will either Kaytron Allen or Nick Singleton pass Evan Royster and become Penn State's all-time leading rusher? Could both runners do it? Plus, Johnny and Bob look at the initial point spread for Penn State's season opener vs. Nevada at Beaver Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal recap what's been a strong 2026 recruiting cycle for Penn State thus far and preview just how good it could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss where James Franklin's Penn State program fits in post-spring top 25 rankings. Johnny has the Nittany Lions ranked No. 1 coming out of spring, with Ohio State and Tennessee right behind them.   Johnny and Bob look at why PSU should be ranked No. 1, and also look at some position groups that could be potential problem areas heading into August practice sessions.   Plus, a look at some potentially tricky games on Penn State's 2025 schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After adding North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell this week, Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dig into Penn State's defensive depth chart projection for 2025. Plus, are the Nittany Lions the nation's top team? The guys give their take near the end of the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State has been busy on the recruiting trail and PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders discuss what the Nittany Lions are getting in linebackers Terry Wiggins and Mathieu Lamah.   Max also recaps his recent visit to the western part of the state to visit with Penn State verbal Kemon Spell, a five-star running back at McKeesport.   Plus, Max and Bob take a look at a couple of young Penn State players who could be playmakers for the Lions in the fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders examine all of the possibilities when it comes to Penn State's projected 2025 offensive depth chart.   Who will back up Drew Allar? Who is the No. 3 running back? How will Penn State's three transfer wideouts fit in Andy Kotelnicki's offense?   Plus, Johnny and Bob look at some reserve players who have bright futures with a focus on the running back and offensive line depth charts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders share their thoughts on what transpired in Saturday's Penn State Blue-White game at windy Beaver Stadium.   Johnny and Bob analyze what they saw from transfer wideouts Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson and also discuss James Franklin's post-scrimmage comments on reserve quarterback Jaxon Smolik and Penn State's linebacker depth.   Plus, Johnny and Bob take a closer look at what the recent addition of another transfer wideout, Trebor Pena, could mean for Penn State's offense in the fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal had a lot to get to Thursday, talking all things Blue-White Game, NFL Draft and red-hot Penn State recruiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Nick Farabaugh go back and forth on a 2025 NFL mock draft before the first round kicks off on Thursday night. Where will Penn State stars Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren land? And what will the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders preview Penn State's 2025 NFL draft class led by All-Americans Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren. Both are expected to go in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night. Johnny and Bob also discuss some PSU spring storylines that have emerged ahead of the Blue-White game on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal sat down for their weekly live session to break down one of the biggest question marks for Penn State this offseason, which was just hurt by a transfer entry. Plus, some more wrapping up from spring practice and an ode to a college football legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss the impact of veteran offensive lineman JB Nelson leaving Penn State's program on this episode. Nelson, a veteran who can play guard or tackle, was a contender to start in the fall. His departure likely creates a huge opportunity for second-year interior offensive lineman Cooper Cousins to step in at one of the guard spots. Johnny and Bob also discuss what could happen when the transfer portal opens this week. Plus, PSU adds Pennsylvania prep quarterback Peyton Falzone to its 2026 recruiting class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal discuss all things running back, quarterback and offensive line through Penn State spring practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Flounders is joined by PennLive's Evan Wheaton to discuss a pair of talented Penn State 2026 verbal commitments – Kevin Brown and Messiah Mickens. The Harrisburg High School stars are two of the top football talents in the nation. The 6-5, 270-pound Brown is a standout offensive tackle prospect and the 5-10, 200-pound Mickens is an elite running back. Wheaton provides insight into what makes both prospects special and what it has been like covering Brown and Mickens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dug into their takeaways from Penn State's second media viewing session of spring practice, including a big one: Will the Nittany Lions look to add a wide receiver soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders break down some good news on the Penn State recruiting front on this episode. Max and Bob offer updates on a pair of running back targets, Harrisburg's Messiah Mickens and McKeesport's Kemon Spell. Penn State also got a commitment from talented 2027 wideout Khalil Taylor from Seton-LaSalle. Over the weekend, Penn State also provided a Blue-White game update with regards to seating at Beaver Stadium. Plus, Max and Bob share their thoughts on how Penn State's Pro Day played out for a few ex-Lions on Friday inside Holuba Hall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Flounders and Max Ralph wrap up the Penn State Pro Day Friday in State College. Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren sat it out but several Nittany Lions did participate including safeties Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed, linebacker Kobe King, cornerback Jalen Kimber and defensive linemen Jvon J-Thomas, Coziah Izzard and Amin Vanover, wide receiver Julian Fleming and offensive lineman Sal Wormley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph dive into the first day of Penn State's spring camp and what we expect from pro day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders examines the many reasons why the 2025 Penn State offensive line is poised to dominate defenses in the fall. Spring practices have begun, and the Nittany Lions return an offensive line group that is talented, experienced and deep. PSU's O-line was very good late in the 2024 season and it should be better this year. James Franklin and his offensive linemen have come a long way since Franklin's first season of 2014. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a special edition of the Blue-White Breakdown with PennLive's Bob Flounders and Austin Hertzog. Bob and Austin detail some of the Penn State wrestling program's amazing accomplishments this season, which concluded over the weekend at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia. PSU won its 12th title in the last 14 seasons and set a new points record. James Franklin's Penn State program begins spring drills this week and expectations could not be higher with the amount of talent returning. Bob and Austin discuss the one position group that must step up.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Nick Farabaugh talk Penn State stars Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren, the Steelers and much more on this 2025 NFL draft special.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders dive into Penn State's group of transfer portal additions, a half-dozen players who could be critical to the Lions' 2025 success. It's easy to focus on wideouts Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC) but James Franklin and his assistants have brought in a few players who could be critical to improvement on defense, as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders share their picks for potential Penn State breakout players this spring. James Franklin's Lions are replacing some significant talent from the 2024 team and Johnny and Bob have their focus on a few Penn State players — young and old — who could be the talk of spring drills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders react to the news that Penn State's iconic Beaver Stadium has a new naming-rights partner in West Shore Home. Johnny and Bob discuss the importance and timing of the 15-year deal worth $50 million. Plus, two talented second-year PSU players – edge rusher Max Granville and interior offensive lineman Cooper Cousins – could loom large in Penn State's 2025 plans. Johnny and Bob discuss their many talents and how they fit on defense and offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ralph and Johnny McGonigal break down some younger names to watch as spring ball gets underway at the end of March. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders share their thoughts on how Penn State's five-player contingent fared at the recent NFL combine in Indianapolis. Jaylen Reed tested very well, and standout Abdul Carter may be dealing with more than one injury issue. Johnny and Bob also take a closer look at what wideout Tyseer Denmark and corner Elliot Washington II could do for the Lions in the fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders shares his thoughts on a few significant Penn State football developments on this episode. Veteran defensive end Smith Vilbert is in the transfer portal, and it's hard to fathom why. He had a great opportunity in front of him in 2025. PSU great Trace McSorley is on James Franklin's staff and Bob looks back at his career and Trace's potential impact. Is Abdul Carter the best player in the NFL draft? Plus, NFL teams would be wise to take a good look at former PSU safeties Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed, who were standouts with the Lions.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders share their takeaways from a couple of Penn State press conferences. PSU AD Pat Kraft and new RBs coach Stan Drayton met with media on Monday. Kraft provided a Beaver Stadium renovation update and discussed the Lions' wideout issues, among other things. Drayton had some comments on Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Plus, Johnny and Bob discuss a few of Penn State's most important players heading into spring drills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph discuss Ja'Juan Seider leaving for Notre Dame and Stan Drayton being hired as his replacement. They also preview next week's NFL scouting combine, where Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren and others will represent the Nittany Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Penn State coverage crew was in State Collete on Tuesday for James Franklin's afternoon press conference. Bob Flounders and Johnny McGonigal discuss Franklin's thoughts on the departure of running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider, who left to take the same position at Notre Dame. Franklin also went into some of the details that led to former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles becoming the Penn State DC, replacing Tom Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal fleshed out their initial thoughts on new Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, including the upcoming installation process for his defense and his Philadelphia ties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State football fans, have we got a Blue-White Breakdown podcast for you. Special guest Doug Lesmerises, the creator of the Kings of the North college football podcast, joins Bob Flounders to discuss what new Penn State DC Jim Knowles brings to the table. Lesmerises, formerly of Cleveland.com, knows Knowles well from his days of covering Ohio State football. Doug also shares his thoughts on Drew Allar, James Franklin, and how good PSU can be in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State pulled off one of the biggest moves of the offseason, stealing Jim Knowles away from rival Ohio State just one week after a national championship win. Paired with returning talent in 2025, Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal react to what it means for the Nittany Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders discuss the possibilities for James Franklin's Penn State program in 2025 as the Lions' offseason begins. You could a sound case PSU could be better this year. You could also make a case that a couple of Lions' issues will prevent that. Plus, Johnny and Bob look back at the completed 12-team playoff and Johnny reveals where he had Penn State on his final AP ballot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State received all kinds of news Monday, from the return of Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton to the departure of defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal recapped all the news, how it happened, why it happened and the future ramifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Johnny McGonigal recap the end to Penn State's season in the Orange Bowl, where a late 4th quarter field goal by the Fighting Irish put an end to the Nittany Lions' dream of a College Football Playoff championship this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders take a deep dive into the most anticipated game of Penn State's season to date. It's PSU and Notre Dame going at it in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night. The winner moves on to the championship game. Johnny and Bob discuss the talent on both sides, Abdul Carter's status, and the matchups that will decide the game. It should be an electrifying atmosphere in the Orange Bowl. Will Penn State win and advance? Johnny and Bob make their game picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph break down Penn State's College Football Playoff quarterfinal win over Boise State and discuss Abdul Carter's injury status, Drew Allar's NFL future, James Franklin's legacy and what's next in the College Football Playoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders, out in Arizona, recaps how Penn State knocked out Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, holding Ashton Jeanty in check. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph preview Penn State's CFP quarterfinal game vs. Boise State, breaking down Ashton Jeanty, the Nittany Lion offense and more. Plus, we make our picks for the Fiesta Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal briefly preview the Penn State and Boise State rushing attacks ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. They also touch on Penn State's work in the transfer portal so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State routs SMU, 38-10 to advance to the Fiesta Bowl: Bob Flounders and Johnny McGonigal recap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Bob Flounders take a deep dive into Penn State's first-ever playoff game. SMU is the opponent, chilly Beaver Stadium is the place to be on Saturday. Can the Mustangs handle PSU's improved rush attack? Plus, players to watch and game picks. And a bonus: Johnny makes his predictions for all the tournament games.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph discuss the news surrounding Penn State's quarterbacks: Beau Pribula leaving via the transfer portal and Drew Allar announcing his expected return to Happy Valley in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State's Dec. 21 playoff game with SMU at Beaver Stadium is only days away. It's time to discuss the key players and matchups. James Franklin's team is a more than a touchdown favorite, but SMU is 11-1. Jacob Richman of LoneStarLive joins Bob Flounders for another Blue-White Breakdown episode. Jacob and Bob single out a few players and a few critical positions in the game. And Bob completes the following sentence: “Penn State wins the game if …” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Bob Flounders is joined by LoneStarLive's Jacob Richman on this episode of the Blue-White Breakdown. Richman is the website's beat reporter for the SMU football team. Penn State faces the Mustangs in a Dec. 21 playoff matchup at Beaver Stadium. Jacob goes into detail on the highs and lows of SMU's 11-2 season and shares his thoughts on a couple of the team's underrated players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PennLive's Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph discuss which positions James Franklin and Penn State need to target with the winter transfer portal window now open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices