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.

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