Penn State’s collapse isn’t just about James Franklin — his coordinators are just as much to blame. Zach Seyko and Matty Fresh break down Jim Knowles’ defensive meltdown, Andy Kotelnicki’s offensive confusion, and what Franklin’s future actually looks like amid his massive buyout. Plus: who could realistically replace Franklin if the Nittany Lions make a change in 2026?

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!

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Square

To learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollege

Peloton

Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda

It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.

Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime

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

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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 #football

Key words:

penn state

penn state nittany lions

penn state football

penn state schedule

penn state university

penn state football schedule

penn state basketball

penn state game

penn state ohio state

penn state michigan

penn state wrestling

penn state score

penn state news

penn state roster

penn state football news

penn state football game

college football

penn state recruiting

penn state football recruiting

penn state football today

psu football

james franklin

andy kotelnicki

jim knowles

drew allar

mike rhoades

cael sanderson

james franklin press conference

mike rhoades press conference

cael sanderson press conference

Remember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1

0:00 – Intro

1:20 – Franklin’s Coordinators Share the Blame

4:30 – The “Outbid Ohio State” Mistake

6:00 – Linebacker Depth Exposed

8:35 – Broken Identity On Offense

11:00 – Kaytron Allen’s Usage Makes No Sense

13:45 – Rat Poison and Regression: Culture Problems

16:55 – Buyout Math: Why Franklin Holds All the Cards

18:30 – Fan Apathy and Donor Fatigue Grow

19:50 – What Franklin Should’ve Said

22:45 – Turning Point: Beating Ohio State or Bust

25:20 – When 10–2 Isn’t Enough Anymore

28:45 – Potential Franklin Replacements

32:15 – The Risk vs. Reward of Moving On

34:45 – Can Penn State Afford to Fire Franklin?

37:00 – What Comes Next

39:15 – Closing Thoughts & Fan Takeaways