Gavin McKenna almost certainly will be worth it.
Penn State and Michigan State found themselves in a modern college sports bidding war, except this one was on the ice. The two NCAA hockey programs were battling over the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna.
And it sounds like the Nittany Lions absolutely crushed the Spartans in their final NIL offer.
According to Mike McMahon of CollegeHockeyInsider.com, Penn State’s offer came in at about $700,000, compared to just $300K from Michigan State.
It’s surely not the only reason McKenna chose PSU. He’s looking at lots more financial security in his future. But it couldn’t have hurt.
Regardless of the reason, it’s a massive win for Penn State. McKenna has already been called by some the best recruit to ever commit to Penn State in any sport, ever.
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The superstar forward had been playing with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.
In 56 games for the Tigers in 2024-25, McKenna had 129 points, including 41 goals. He added 38 points (nine goals) in 16 playoff games.
It’s as if Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid chose to play a year of college hockey before their draft year. It’s pretty much unprecedented.
And Penn State brought the bag to secure a front-row ticket to the show.
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