Skip to main content
penn-state logo

BWI Live: A new RPM Pick for Penn State | Will Messiah Mickens stick with program?

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•about 9 hours•

ThomasFrankCarr

Messiah Mickens Penn State Football On3
Penn State running back commit Messiah Hampton (Ryan Snyder/BWI)

The college football recruiting calendar is always accelerating, meaning things that are happening in June are news in February. Today, on the BWI Live Recruiting Show, we’re discussing Penn State’s official visit schedule for the upcoming summer. But don’t worry, we’re also breaking down today’s events. Join experts Sean Fitz and Ryan Snyder as they sift and update fans on the running back coaching search situation and how it relates to recruiting, the latest RPM picks, and more.

We’re live at 10 a.m. today and every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this offseason. Subscribe to the BWI YouTube Channel so you don’t miss any of our live shows, posted content, and more!

Of course, the biggest news this week is that Penn State needs to find a new running backs coach after long-time assistant JaJuan Seider left the program for Notre Dame. We’ll give you the latest information about the coaching search and what fans need to know right now.

Snyder also spoke with 2026 running back commit Messiah Mickens to gauge his temperature about sticking with the program after Seider’s departure. Will the team be able to hold on to one of the top running backs in the country for the next cycle? We’ll discuss that, plus a realistic timeline for the hiring process.

Wafle conversations

Owen and Luke Wafle have become central to the team’s team-building efforts over the last several months. Owen, the older Waffle, transferred from Michigan to Penn State this offseason to fill in the team’s defensive tackle opening this upcoming season. Luke, a four-star defensive end in the Class of 2026, is a top priority for defensive line coach Deion Barnes this year. Snyder spoke to their father and gives listeners the highlights of his conversation on today’s show.

Snyder also put in an RPM prediction for the next 2026 defensive player to join the class. Find out which target he thinks is on the path to becoming a Penn State commit.

Official Visit Schedule update

February is a dead period in recruiting, and schools are now setting official visit schedules for the summer with top prospects. There’s been a flurry of announcements since our last recruiting show, so Fitz and Snyder will discuss the players who have locked in for all-important visits during May and June. We’ll also discuss the importance of those announcements and what they signify, even if the dates or plans change in the future.

Want to ask about something we’re not talking about? Join the show live at 10 a.m. and drop your thoughts in the live chat! We’ll interact with fans during the hour-long show!

You may also like