Ep. 217 | So It Begins

Ep. 217 | So It Begins

From Hardcore Penn State Football by Hardcore Penn State Football

January 29, 2026 · 51 min · Season 5 · Episode 1

About this episode

The episode discusses the upcoming 2026 Penn State football season, including the new Big Ten schedule and recruiting updates.

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the go-to podcast for hardcore analysis, recruiting scoops, and unapologetic takes on the Nittany Lions! In this episode – dropping January 28, 2026 – hosts Shawn Kane and Cory Lestochi unpack a massive week in Happy Valley as the Matt Campbell era ramps up. We're diving into the freshly released 2026 Big Ten schedule, the transfer portal's chaotic close with key wins and losses, Beaver Stadium's transformation into a hockey haven, and the flurry of offers to the 2027 class following a pivotal visit weekend. From on-field projections to offseason buzz, this episode sets the stage for PSU's bounce-back year – don't miss it! The wait is over – the Big Ten drops the 2026 football slate, and Penn State's path looks primed for contention under Campbell! Shawn breaks down the full lineup: Non-con openers vs. Marshall (Sept. 5, home), at Temple (Sept. 12), and vs. Buffalo (Sept. 19, home); Big Ten kicks off with Wisconsin (Sept. 26, home - potential Stripeout), at Northwestern (Oct. 3), USC (Oct. 10, home - Whiteout candidate), at Michigan (Oct. 17), bye (Oct. 24), Purdue (Oct. 31, home), at Washington (Nov. 7), Minnesota (Nov. 14, home), at…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shawn Kane, Cory Lestochi

Topics covered

  • Penn State football
  • 2026 Big Ten schedule
  • transfer portal
  • recruiting
  • offseason analysis
  • fan engagement

Keywords

  • Penn State
  • Big Ten
  • football schedule
  • transfer portal
  • recruiting
  • Beaver Stadium
  • Matt Campbell
  • offseason
  • fan themes
  • playoff implications

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Penn State, Big Ten, USC, Michigan, Purdue, Washington, Minnesota, Rutgers, Maryland

Places: Beaver Stadium

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