Does Penn State need to schedule Pitt ever again? Zach Seyko and Joe Smeltzer say absolutely not — and explain why the rivalry is outdated, irrelevant, and unnecessary for a national brand like PSU.

Then, they break down Penn State’s biggest potential trap games for 2025, including dangerous matchups at Iowa, UCLA, and East Lansing. Even with national title aspirations, the Nittany Lions can’t afford to overlook anyone.

Plus, the debate over noon kickoffs vs. primetime rages on. Do early games ruin the atmosphere in Beaver Stadium? Should fans just accept FOX’s strategy? This episode dives into all of it.

Check out Joe's work!

Joe on X: https://x.com/joesmeltzer775

Nittany Sports Now: https://nittanysportsnow.com/author/jsmeltzer/

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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

00:00 – Intro: Pitt Is Not a Rival Anymore

01:30 – Why Penn State Gains Nothing by Playing Pitt

04:00 – What Makes a Real Rivalry? (Spoiler: Pitt Isn’t It)

06:30 – PSU’s National Brand Makes Pitt Irrelevant

09:00 – Why PSU Fans Should Stop Wanting Pitt Back

12:30 – Noon Kickoffs: Blessing or Curse?

14:00 – FOX’s Ratings Strategy & Why Night Games Are Better

17:00 – Trap Games: The Schedule’s Sneaky Landmines

19:00 – UCLA After Oregon = Danger Zone?

21:00 – Don’t Sleep on Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan State

23:00 – Why Iowa at Night = Nightmare Fuel

27:00 – Kinnick Curse? Or Just History?

28:30 – Final Thoughts + Wrap-Up