CFB Expert Gets Real About Penn State's NIL Outlook 👀

The Athletic's estimated 2026 college football roster budgets put Penn State at roughly $29–32 million—seventh in the Big Ten and about $20 million behind Ohio State. What does that gap actually mean for Matt Campbell and the future of Penn State football?

Brian Smith joins Zach Seyko to break down Penn State's roster resources, donor buy-in and what Campbell may need to prove before the program's spending increases further. They also discuss the Protect College Sports Act and the changing financial structure of college athletics.

Then it's all football: Is Penn State's struggling run game actually helping Rocco Becht and the passing attack? Carson Hansen, James Peoples and the Nittany Lions' heavy-personnel approach are examined ahead of much tougher Big Ten tests.

What concerns you more: Penn State's spending gap or the lack of explosive runs?

Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

SupplyHouse
Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/TM to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.  Use promo code S H 5 College for five percent off your first order.  
SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.

Omaha Steaks
Shop proteins you can trust at https://www.Omaha Steaks.com. And right now, get 2 pounds of premium ground beef FREE with orders over $129 using code COLLEGE at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details.

Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  
Protect yourself now.

Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.  
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod

LARINECO
Give Larine a try. Right now, Larine Co is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://BUYLARINE.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

5-Hour ENERGY
Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTube

Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege

Follow the show on X!
https://x.com/LockedOnNittany
https://x.com/zach\_seyko

#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #weare #football

0:00 — Intro
1:25 — Brian's reaction to Penn State's NIL
5:16 — Can a $30M roster still win?
12:47 — Matt Campbell's donor proof of concept
15:40 — How the College Sports Act could affect Penn State
22:16 — Is the run game helping the passing game?
25:51 — Why Penn State's running backs are struggling
28:12 — The problem Michigan and USC could create
30:44 — Carson Hansen vs. James Peoples
32:08 — Why Penn State's run game could take a leap

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.