Penn State and Michigan were supposed to compete for the College Football Playoff in 2026. Instead, they're struggling to separate themselves from teams like Rutgers and Maryland. How did two of the Big Ten's biggest programs fall this far? Zach Seyko of Locked On Nittany Lions joins Jacob Goins of Locked On Hoosiers to discuss the shocking starts for Penn State and Michigan, the pressure on Matt Campbell and Kyle Whittingham, and why Indiana, UCLA, and Nebraska are finding success. The guys debate whether Penn State's problems can be fixed, why Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney have enjoyed different coaching transitions, and which surprising Big Ten contenders are legitimate. Plus, predictions and disagreements for three major matchups: Penn State vs. USC, Indiana vs. Nebraska, and UCLA vs. Oregon. Has the Big Ten's balance of power completely changed? 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! KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. SupplyHouseVisit 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. WayfairTransform 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. OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. GametimeToday'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. FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko #lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #weare #football 0:00 Intro1:08 Penn State and Michigan's shocking decline3:44 Why rebuilding Penn State is different5:49 The Big Ten's surprising contenders6:46 Have UCLA and Nebraska been tested?8:35 Sponsor Break — Indeed, Odoo, FanDuel13:15 Indiana vs. Nebraska preview15:14 Could Nebraska force Josh Hoover into mistakes?17:35 How many points will Nebraska score?18:07 Penn State vs. USC preview18:35 Why Matt Campbell can't fix everything yet20:26 Can Penn State keep up with USC?20:46 UCLA vs. Oregon preview21:54 Why Oregon should win23:36 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.