Unrivaled: Recent Episodes
Penn State Football
Unrivaled: The official podcast of Penn State Football. This all-access platform provides an inside look at one of the nation’s premier college football programs through the voices of Penn State student-athletes, coaches, alumni and national media members.
Award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi from FOX Sports joins host Brian Tripp during a recent visit to Happy Valley. Rinaldi shares background on his career and some of his favorite stories to cover during his visits to Penn State.
Get to know Penn State football captains Ji'Ayir Brown and Jonathan Sutherland! The pair discuss their relationship and leadership philosophies with host Brian Tripp. Also, learn how Ji'Ayir got his nickname 'Tig' and about Jonathan's hidden talent!
Offensive Analyst Danny O'Brien discusses his role on the Penn State staff. The former college and CFL quarterback is entering his second season in Happy Valley. Hear about the duties of an analyst, O'Brien's career goals, and what goes into designing an offense.
The 19th Annual Penn State Lift For Life is Thursday, June 30 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Lasch Practice Fields. Proceeds from the event will benefit the rare disease community through Uplifting Athletes. Senior LS Chris Stoll and redshirt freshman OL Landon Tengwall join host Brian Tripp to preview the event. Stoll (president) and Tengwall (vice president) serve as officers for Penn State's chapter of Uplifting Athletes.
On this episode, Mitch Gerber visits with Todd Kulka, Associate Director - Football Academic Support Services & Academic Counselor to talk about Penn State Football and academics. #WeAre
On this episode, Mitch Gerber sits down with Jevin Stone and Joe Loosemore at the Outback Bowl to discuss the Penn State football video department and more. #WeAre
On this episode, Mitch Gerber sits down with members of the Penn State recruiting staff to break down the class of 2022. #WeAre
Andy Frank: Director of Player Personnel
Destiny Rodriguez: Recruiting Coordinator for Operations & Visits
Kenny Sanders: Recruiting Coordinator for Personnel & Recruitment - National
Chris Mahon: Personnel & Recruitment – Offense
Alan Zemaitis: Assistant Recruiting Coordinator
Hunter Carson: Assistant Recruiting Coordinator
Caleb Tyler: Recruiting Coordinator for Marketing & Creative Content
On this episode, Mitch Gerber sits down with No. 86 Brenton Strange, No. 84 Theo Johnson and No. 44 Tyler Warren to discuss life in the tight ends room and more. #WeAre
On this episode, Mitch Gerber sits down with Penn State great Deon Butler to discuss Jahan Dotson's record breaking performance and more. Dotson set a Penn State single-game receiving record with 242 yards at Maryland, passing Butler's previous record of 216 yards against Northwestern. #WeAre
On this episode, we recap the top moments from season three of the Unrivaled Podcast. #WeAre
(1:03) Juice Scruggs & Eric Wilson
(3:42) Derrick Tangelo & PJ Mustipher
(5:05) Jordan Stout & Chris Stoll
(7:52) Jaquan Brisker & Ji'Ayir Brown
(9:58) Taylor Stubblefield
(11:48) Rece Davis [ESPN College GameDay]
(13:24) Holly Rowe [ESPN]
(15:50) Schuylkill Brotherhood
(17:48) Inky Johnson
Have you ever wondered if the size of a football matters?
Find out that and more as No. 98 Jordan Stout (@JORDANSTOUT92) and No. 91 Chris Stoll (@ChrisStoll18) join Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on season three of the Unrivaled Podcast. For more on Penn State Football, visit GoPSUsports.com.
Jim Cavale, CEO of INFLCR, joins Mitch Gerber to discuss the game changing app that's growing the name, image and likeness brand value of Penn State student-athletes. #WeAre
Music. School. Football.
No. 70 Juice Scruggs (@JuiceScruggs) and No. 68 Eric Wilson join Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on season three of the Unrivaled Podcast. For more on Penn State Football, visit GoPSUsports.com.
"I think Penn State is one of the best teams in the country."
ESPN's Sean McDonough joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on the Unrivaled Podcast to preview Penn State-Indiana, plus Sean discusses his on-air chemistry with Todd Blackledge and reflects on a few of the top moments in his dynamic broadcasting career. For more information of Penn State Football, visit GoPSUsports.com.
1:05: Returning to Happy Valley
2:33: Penn State-Indiana X-Factor
6:10: Inside the Production Meetings
7:58: Todd Blackledge
11:58: Monday Night Football, World Series, the Olympics & More
14:23: NHL on ESPN
16:23: Penn State Atmosphere
On this episode of the Unrivaled Podcast, Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) sits down with No. 54 Derrick Tangelo (@setforlaunch) and No. 97 PJ Mustipher (@KingPJ55). Tangelo and Mustipher discuss the chemistry within the program and what they enjoy doing away from football, plus 'The Wheel of Topics' makes its triumphant return. For more information on Penn State Football, visit GoPSUsports.com.
From North Schuylkill High School to Beaver Stadium, a testament of brotherhood through a life-changing injury.
Pennsylvania native Jaden Leiby was a two-way star on the 2019 North Schuylkill Spartans football team when he suffered a devastating injury on October 25, 2019. Jaden, along with his former teammates Penn State LB Tyler Elsdon and Villanova DL Jake Green, will be reunited when Penn State squares off with Villanova on September 25, 2021. Listen to Jaden's story on episode eight of the Unrivaled Podcast.
Holly Rowe (@sportsiren), ESPN sideline reporter, joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) to discuss the greatest atmosphere in college sports ahead of the 2021 Penn State White Out.
Rece Davis (@ReceDavis), host of ESPN's College GameDay, joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) ahead of the show's fifth consecutive appearance in Happy Valley.
On this episode, Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) is joined by Penn State safety's Jaquan Brisker (@JaquanBrisker) and Ji'Ayir Brown (@_Tiig2) to discuss their journey through junior college, ESPN's College GameDay and more.
2:05: Returning to Beaver Stadium
2:40: Penn State Blue Band
5:30: College GameDay
8:31: GameDay Sign Request
10:09: Brotherhood
11:35: Message to JUCO players
12:18: Gratitude
Brandon Smith (@brand0n_smith12) and Curtis Jacobs (@CurtisUpNext23) join Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on episode four of the Unrivaled Podcast to reflect on Penn State-Wisconsin, discuss their love for the sport and more.
Taylor Stubblefield (@CoachStubbs) joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on episode three of the Unrivaled Podcast to discuss the 2021 wide receivers room, embracing the grind of college football, and his Yakima roots. For more on Coach Stubblefield, visit https://bit.ly/3gRIOei.
Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/lnTKGyYRCe4
0:56: Game Week [Penn State-Wisconsin]
1:49: Yakima, Washington
4:57: Family
9:25: The Grind of Coaching
11:07: 2021 WR Room
12:33: What separates Jahan Dotson?
13:40: Measuring a successful season
14:35: Pregame Rituals
On this episode, Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) sits down with second year offensive line coach Phil Trautwein (@CoachTrautFB) to discuss Penn State's progress at offensive line, plus coach Trautwein relives some of the top moments from Inky Johnson's speech to the Penn State football program.
1:04: Inky Johnson connection
2:26: What it takes to be great
5:12: Six second mentality
7:39: Coaching mindset
10:25: Strength of the pack is the wolf, strength of the wolf is the pack
11:51: Camp takeaways
14:25: Biggest question surrounding the OL
“Sacrifice carries over into every aspect of life. When you have a team of guys that are willing to sacrifice for each other, you have something special.”
In this episode, Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) is joined by Inky Johnson (@inkyjohnson), motivational speaker and host of the Serendipity Podcast. Inky kicks off season three of the Unrivaled Podcast by discussing his powerful message to Penn State Football. To watch this podcast, click the YouTube link below.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/7PFzolyCv4Q
0:19: Message to Penn State Football
3:10: What is fun?
4:09: Perspective Drives Performance
5:00: Preparing for Adversity
6:39: Mental Toughness = Talent
8:26: Positive Attitude
11:19: Sacrifice
14:02: Respected Leadership
16:53: Journey Brown
19:01: Inky Johnson in the NIL Era
Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (@Kj_hamler) joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) to discuss life in the NFL, the reasons behind his why and more. Plus, Steelers linebacker Marcus Allen (@Chico_Hndrxx) makes a guest appearance that will leave you laughing.
(3:03) NFL vs. College Football
(6:06) Relationship with Coach Franklin
(8:09) Wheel of Topics
(11:39) What drives KJ Hamler
(20:19) Marcus Allen joins the 'Wheel of Topics'
(21:51) Out of this world
(29:09) Ask me anything
(32:01) Toughest matchup in the NFL
Terrence Parsons (@TeamParsons1973), Micah Parsons' father, joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on the Unrivaled Podcast to discuss Micah's journey to the NFL Draft.
(1:10) Surreal Moment
(3:06) Inspiring the future
(11:17) James Franklin & Brent Pry
(17:56) More than a number
(24:03) Soaking in the moment
(27:50) Proud Father
Field Yates (@FieldYates), NFL insider for ESPN and host of the First Draft Podcast joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) to discuss the 2021 NFL Draft and more.
(2:35) Mel Kiper Jr. & Todd McShay
(5:26) Meeting Mel Kiper Jr.
(7:00) Micah Parsons
(9:54) Jayson Oweh
(11:39) Pat Freiermuth
(14:03) James Franklin NFL pipeline
Dianne and John Freiermuth, parents of Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5), sit down with Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) to discuss Pat's journey to the 2021 NFL Draft.
(1:25) Merrimac, Massachusetts
(11:54) Penn State Football
(17:50) Coach Franklin's Office
(28:12) 2021 NFL Draft
(30:11) Message to Pat
John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL), Host/Writer on 710 ESPN Seattle, joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) to discuss the NFL Draft, Micah Parsons, Penn State Football and his Pennsylvania roots.
(2:10) Churchill, Pennsylvania
(6:43) Becoming an expert
(12:10) Understanding the updated NFL salary cap
(15:37) Misconceptions of mock drafts
(18:06) Micah Parsons
(20:20) Penn State Football
Head Coach James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) joins Mitch Gerber (@MitchGerber) on the Unrivaled Podcast to recap the 2020 season, discuss the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich and look ahead to 2021. Follow @PennStateFball to stay up-to-date on all things Penn State Football.
(1:00) Learning Opportunities
(4:11) NCAA Conversations
(12:39) Mike Yurcich - Offensive Coordinator
(20:14) 2021 Offseason Focus
(23:03) MLK
Andy Frank, Terrell Smith and Eric Thatcher join Mitch Gerber to discuss the class on 2021 following National Signing Day.
Will Fries and Michal Menet join Mitch Gerber on the latest episode of the Unrivaled Podcast.
Rasheed Walker & Caedan Wallace join Mitch Gerber on episode 43 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
What float would Jordan Stout and Jake Pinegar construct for the Thanksgiving Day parade? Find out on a special turkey day edition of the Unrivaled podcast.
(1:00) Thanksgiving Day Memories
(4:44) Self-Diagnosis
(6:39) Thanksgiving Day Parade
(13:48) Thankfulness
(15:00) Golf
(20:40) Kevin Kisner
Shaka Toney, a redshirt senior from Philadelphia, joins Mitch Gerber on the Unrivaled Podcast to discuss adversity, life beyond football and more.
Tariq Castro-Fields & Joey Porter Jr. join Mitch Gerber on the latest episode of the Unrivaled Podcast to discuss life outside of football.
Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, freshman wide receivers with the Penn State Football program, sit down with Mitch Gerber for episode 39 of the Unrivaled Podcast. For more information, visit gopsusports.com.
(1:00) Beaver Stadium in 2020
(3:43) Jahan Dotson
(5:10) The story behind #3
(7:47) Selecting Penn State
(11:34) Who is your why?
(15:23) Penn State Legacy
Whether standing in line at the polls or awaiting election results, you won't want to miss this special edition of the Unrivaled Podcast. Dwight Galt, Assistant AD for Performance Enhancement, joins Mitch Gerber to discuss his governmental roots and life before football in our nation's capital. (1:24) Election Day (8:26) White House Tour (9:57) Life as a Lobbyist (12:40) From Capitol Hill to Bagging Groceries (15:14) Chase Your Dreams
Chris Fowler, one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, joins Mitch Gerber on episode 37 of the Unrivaled Podcast. Fowler, along with Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor, will call Penn State-Ohio State on October 31, 2020 on ABC.
(1:56) Penn State White Out in 2020
(2:32) Testing Culture
(7:49) State College Transformation
(10:16) Stories with Fowler
(14:33) Fandom
ESPN's Marty Smith joins Mitch Gerber on an exclusive episode of the Unrivaled Podcast.
Andy Mutnan, Associate Director of Athletic Training Services/Head Football Athletic Trainer, joins Mitch Gerber to discuss the various safety measures and COVID-19 protocols implemented within the Penn State Football program.
(6:33) Protocols
(8:13) Traveling/Tier System
(14:46) Safe Environments
(16:33) Testing Process
(19:42) Positive COVID-19 Test
Jason Cabinda joins Mitch Gerber on episode 34 of the Unrivaled Podcast to discuss his transition with the Detroit Lions, life outside of football, and more.
Lamont Wade, Antonio Shelton, C.J. Thorpe, Donovan Johnson, and Aeneas Hawkins join Mitch Gerber on the latest edition of the Unrivaled Podcast.
Adam Taliaferro sits down with Mitch Gerber to discuss his upcoming BTN episode, overcoming adversity, and the importance of voting during the latest episode of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(3:40) Behind-the-scenes
(9:36) Message to the team
(16:00) Victim versus opportunity
(22:44) Voting
(27:28) Shut up, have a voice
Bruce Feldman, national college football insider for FOX Sports and The Athletic, visits with Mitch Gerber to discuss the Big Ten, future transfer rules, NIL and Penn State Football.
3:22 - Big Ten today
5:41 - Financial recovery
7:08 - Commissioner of College Football
8:23 - Opt-in/opt-out
12:08 - Future transfer rules
13:28 - Name, Image and Likeness
Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB
Mitch Gerber: @MitchGerber
Head Coach James Franklin visits with Mitch Gerber to discuss Penn State Football and more.
(4:50): Fall Workout Structure
(14:26): Big Ten Football
(28:12): Starting the Conversation
(32:46): Name, Image and Likeness
(34:30): Voting
(36:01): Lasch Football Complex Renovations
It's back! Howard Griffith, analyst for the Big Ten Network, visits with Mitch Gerber to launch season two of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(5:40): Conversations in the Big Ten
(15:39): Big Ten Decisions
(22:56): Recruiting in the present day
(25:25): NIL
(29:41): Anti-Hate & Anti-Racism Coalition
Mitch Gerber sits down with State College native, Keaton Ellis, to discuss his freshman campaign and preview the road ahead.
Mitch Gerber sits down with Jahan Dotson and Daniel George on episode 27 to discuss the Cotton Bowl and preview the path ahead.
Josh Nelson & Jon Fleury discuss how Penn State is using applied health and performance science throughout its week of preparation at the Cotton Bowl.
Dwight Galt Joins the Unrivaled Podcast to breakdown the importance of maintaining confidence in Texas, life at the Cotton Bowl, and setting the tone for the future.
Jay McAuley, CBAA board of directors members, visits with Mitch Gerber to breakdown an immaculate week in Dallas for Penn State Football.
Andy Frank, Charles Walker and Eric Thatcher visit with Mitch Gerber to breakdown Penn State's 2020 recruiting class. 27 student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to join the football program during Wednesday's Signing Day celebration. The class of 2020 was ranked 12th nationally by 247Sports Composite and ESPN. For a complete recap, visit GoPSUsports.com.
Connor McGovern joins Mitch Gerber on episode 22 to discuss the Dallas Cowboys, Penn State football and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
As Penn State awaits its bowl destination, Mitch Gerber brings you some of the top moments from the Unrivaled Podcast during the 2019 regular season. Share your favorite memory (@PennStateFball or @MitchGerber), what you've learned and who you want to hear from in the future. (1:00): Rece Davis - College GameDay (6:39): Chris Fowler, Holly Rowe and Todd Blackledge (26:39): Football Superstore (39:52): Family Dinner (48:54): Nascar Pit Stop
Mitch Gerber sits down with Nick Bowers & Dan Chisena on episode 20 to discuss Senior Day, life after football and more.
Mitch Gerber sits down with Ricky Slade, Journey Brown, Noah Cain and Devyn Ford on episode 19 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(0:38): Preparing for Ohio State
(7:36): Family night
(15:50): Unselfish Brotherhood
(19:14): LawnBoyz
(25:55): Dealing with the outside noise
Specialists Blake Gillikin and Chris Stoll visit with Mitch Gerber on Episode 18 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(0:38): Moving on
(5:14): Specialist Position Room
(11:00): Mental Toughness
(23:31): Anatomy
Cornerbacks John Reid and Tariq Castro-Fields sit down with Mitch Gerber on Episode 17 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(0:35): Dealing With The Noise
(2:15): Cornerbacks Room
(8:56): The New Wave
(14:41): Embracing Change
Matt McGloin, former Penn State quarterback and co-host of the Unrivaled Postgame Show, sits down with Mitch Gerber on Episode 16 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(0:36): The Other Side
(3:43): Home Roots
(14:14): The Speech
(26:23): The Dive
(31:54): Release Day
Rece Davis, host of ESPN's College GameDay, sits down with Mitch Gerber on Episode 15 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(0:39): Quintessential Atmosphere
(3:05): National Contenders
(6:51): James Franklin Effect
(9:39): Turning Point in the Big Ten
(14:50): Setting the Scene
(17:34): Corso Crowd Surf
Two of the countries most dynamic playmakers visit with Mitch Gerber on episode 14 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(1:15): Iowa Thoughts
(3:25): Rivals Camp Connection
(6:55): Respect
(10:35): National Attention
(22:00): Penn State Legacy
The moment Jesse Luketa stepped foot in the United States he knew Penn State was the only option. Hear about the linebackers journey to Happy Valley, how a simple phrase has caught steam and much more.
(1:00): Weekly Outlook
(10:36): Madden Superstore
(14:45): Moving away from Canada
(21:08): LBU
(23:27): It's Real Simple
Sophomore defensive tackle PJ Mustipher visits with Mitch Gerber on episode 12 of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(1:22): HBO
(3:37): Brotherhood
(6:40): Number switch
(10:23): Receiving an offer from Penn State
(14:29): Life after football
Kyle Brady, a two-time All-Big Ten selection and 13 year NFL veteran joins the Unrivaled Podcast. Brady, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, discusses his time and Penn State, the 1994-95 Rose Bowl and much more.
(0:30): Becoming a pilot
(06:14): Prolific offense
(14:50): 1994-95 Rose Bowl
(19:40): Draft night
Chris Fowler, Holly Rowe and Todd Blackledge provide a national perspective on Penn State football, discuss the NCAA transfer portal and much more. To watch this podcast in its entirety, visit GoPSUsports.com.
(0:55): September 14, 1974
(3:36): Symbolic collectables
(5:30): Preparing for a national broadcast
(8:02): Status of Penn State Football
(11:25): Recruiting
(15:08): NCAA transfer portal
(21:10): Battling adversity
(22:55): “The greatest atmosphere in college sports”
Jake Pinegar and Jordan Stout, two key contributors on special teams, both took significantly different routes to land in Happy Valley. Today, the standouts find themselves competing at the highest level of their careers. Learn more on episode nine of the Unrivaled Podcast.
1:16: Learning process
3:09: Landing as a specialist
5:53: Jordan Stout transferring to Penn State
7:36: Learning from each other
11:04: Change the Game
Following an injury that sidelined him for his senior season at Saint Christopher's, Garrett Taylor knew he had a lot to prove on the football field. Hear about the Virginia natives journey to Penn State and more on episode eight of the Unrivaled Podcast.
What else needs to be said? Go in-depth with the former five start recruit on his journey to Penn State and overcoming adversity.
(2:40): Water boy
(6:42): Childhood adversity
(10:36): Family trust
(18:40): Recruiting Process
(21:39) Staying true to their word
Growing up in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Jan Johnson was anything but just another ordinary multi-sport athlete. Hear about his inspiring journey to Happy Valley on episode six of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(2:28): Receiving the calls
(4:30): Don’t live with regret
(7:42): “Come to my office”
(9:51): November 13, 2015
(14:21): Earning a scholarship
From the moment he bolted off in a Home Depot store, Latonya Gooding and Thomas Hamler knew KJ Hamler had elite speed and an uplifting personality. Hear from the birthday rapping parents on episode five of the Unrivaled Podcast. (1:16): Parents perspective on game day (6:57): Parents role (8:27): Living in the moment (10:07): Birthday rap (12:32): Penn State impact
Why did Michal Menet and Will Fries turn their dorm room into a WWE wrestling match? Find out on episode four of the Unrivaled Podcast. Subscribe to the Unrivaled Podcast and let us know who you’d like to be featured on upcoming episodes.
Episode 3 – Big Ten Network Big Ten Network talent Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith join Mitch Gerber to preview the 2019 Penn State football season. Subscribe to the Unrivaled Podcast and let us know who you’d like to be featured on upcoming episodes.
Gerad Parker, first year wide receivers coach for Penn State University, discusses how personal experiences, family tragedy and the roller coaster coaching world prepared him for life in Happy Valley.
(3:00): Securing biggest recruit
(5:41): Family tragedy builds to tight-knit family
(15:19): Start of coaching career
(21:31): Handling tough moments
(23:24): Landing at Penn State University
What did Pat Freiermuth do the moment he received an offer from Penn State? Find out on the first episode of the Unrivaled Podcast.
(6:45): Playing for the Brooks School
(9:35): Landing at Penn State University
(11:33): Recruiting Today
(15:48): Top moments from the 2018 season
(23:11): Superstitions
Mitch Gerber, on-air/feature content reporter for Penn State Athletics, introduces the Unrivaled Podcast. The official podcast of Penn State Football provides an all-access look at one of the nation’s premier college football programs through the voices of its student, coaches and alumni.