Ep. 212 | Return of the Mack

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the go-to podcast for unfiltered breakdowns, exclusive insights, and fiery debates on Nittany Lions football! In this jam-packed episode, hosts Cory Lestochi & Shawn Kane unpack the latest whirlwind developments in Happy Valley under new head coach Matt Campbell. As the team gears up for the Pinstripe Bowl and eyes a 2026 rebound, we're diving into the recruiting surge, the explosive leaked audio from AD Pat Kraft paired with King Mack's candid remarks, Nick Singleton's big Senior Bowl invite, and the uncertain status of QB Ethan Grunkemeyer. From drama to draft buzz, this episode has it all – tune in for expert analysis and what it means for PSU's path forward in the Big Ten.

The Nittany Lions are back in beast mode on the recruiting front! With Matt Campbell at the wheel, PSU is aggressively rebuilding after the Franklin firing decimated the 2027 class and thinned out 2026 commitments. We detail the recent wave of additions to the 2026 class, including intriguing three-star safeties like Bryson Williams and other under-the-radar gems that fit Campbell's gritty, developmental style. Shawn breaks down how Campbell's staff is flipping decommits, targeting Midwest and DMV prospects, and leveraging NIL to compete with powerhouses like Ohio State. Plus, early looks at 2027 targets, such as West Coast offensive tackles where PSU is emerging as a favorite. Mike analyzes commitment trackers showing the class climbing from rock bottom to promising, with speculation on how these moves address needs at OL, DB, and WR for long-term contention.

Drama alert! We dissect the controversial leaked 20-minute audio from Athletic Director Pat Kraft's players' meeting, where he rants about the coaching change, internal failures, and even takes shots at Oregon and other programs. Kraft's NSFW comments on where things went wrong – including failing to land top targets like BYU's Kalani Sitake – have gone viral, leading to his public apology and fan backlash. Then, we pivot to safety King Mack's eye-opening remarks, blaming the 6-6 season on "lack of leadership, selfishness, and buy-in" from players. Mack praises Campbell for "knowing what went wrong" and fixing it, revealing internal tensions under Kraft. Our hosts debate the fallout: Is this a wake-up call for accountability, or does it expose deeper program issues?

Big news for one of PSU's stars – running back Nicholas Singleton has accepted an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl! As the fifth Nittany Lion to commit (joining standouts like Kaytron Allen, Drew Shelton, and Zane Durant), this is a huge showcase for Singleton to boost his NFL draft stock after a solid senior year. The quarterback room is in flux, and freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer is at the center of it. With 1,079 passing yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs in limited 2025 action, the former top-100 recruit (No. 5 QB in his class) is weighing his options amid the coaching transition. We explore his uncertain future – stay and compete under Campbell, or hit the transfer portal for a "best situation" in 2026? Grunkemeyer remains focused on the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Clemson, but rumors swirl about a potential reset in the QB room. Our hosts analyze his strengths (arm talent, mobility from Lewis Center, OH), areas for growth, and recruiting expert takes on whether PSU should rebuild around him or look elsewhere. Includes stats breakdowns and comparisons to past PSU QBs. We tackle your questions from the mailbag – Can Campbell salvage the recruiting classes? What's the real story behind Kraft's rant? Plus, our "Buy or Sell" segment on Grunkemeyer's stay-or-go odds and Singleton's draft projection.

If this episode has you roaring for more Penn State coverage, hit that LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications! Share your takes in the comments: Optimistic about the recruiting bounce-back, or worried about the internal drama? Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs!