The Obligatory PSU Podcast

Early reactions to NIL in college football and predictions for Penn State's future in this new world.

Show Notes

On July 1, 2021, the epoch of college football that began in 1869 with Rutgers and Princeton playing a bizarre combination of soccer and rugby came to a close, and a whole new era began. That might be overstating things a bit, but not much! If nothing else, the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) monetization for college athletes marks an end to the NCAA's increasingly-controversial notion of amateurism as the foundation of intercollegiate athletics, an idea dating back to the early 1900s. One week in, the early returns have included much of the chaos and uncertainty you'd expect from the ruling body's hands-off, Wild West approach to perhaps the most significant change in its history. If nothing else, on the Miami Hurricanes' next trip to the national title game, they'll all be able to afford their own fatigues (although after 16 years in the ACC, maybe they ought to focus on their first win in the conference title game to get started). There will plenty of time to assess the new world of college football and plenty more good discussions about it here on the show. For now, we give our early reactions and predictions for how Penn State can navigate this volatile, new landscape.

HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

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What is The Obligatory PSU Podcast?

The Obligatory PSU Podcast features wide-ranging discussions of Penn State sports, Nittany Lions football in particular, and all things Penn State and Happy Valley from the cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Former Penn State and NFL defensive lineman Brandon Noble (’92-97), campus icon Mike “the Mailman” Herr, Mount Nittany Conservancy Board Secretary Kevin Horne, and seven-time Sam's Club Member Chris Buchignani. Along with a rotating cast of characters from around State College and across Nittany Nation, the guys focus on the stories, issues, and personalities surrounding the Blue and White fan experience.

The Obligatory PSU Podcast delivers fun and insightful commentary on the teams, University, and place that are beloved by many thousands of students, alumni, and fans. There’s no pretense of objectivity or “journalistic” distance here; these guys are here because they care, and their Penn State knowledge and love shine through in every installment. The goal is to touch on a broad variety of topics relating to the Nittany Lions in conversations that are frequently funny and occasionally profound, all while enjoying a few (or more) adult beverages. If you’ve got Penn State in your blood, you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with us.