We all saw the viral clip of Gavin McKenna and Jackson Smith revealing their Taco Bell tradition to the media after the team’s win over Notre Dame on Saturday night. 

In case you missed it:

Gavin McKenna and Jackson Smith leak their superstitious Taco Bell orders after their coaches caught them with it

(via @EvanRGSmith, @KassieVasellas)pic.twitter.com/N4KkEQ431B

— BarDown (@BarDown) January 18, 2026

Before releasing their Taco Bell orders, the two Nittany Lions had already been among the most talked-about players in college hockey, with Smith drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2025 and McKenna projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. The attention surrounding both players has only grown as the season has progressed, but the viral clip added another layer to a partnership that has been building all year.

McKenna and Smith both hail from Canada and were invited to go to the Team Canada World Junior Championship training camp. Smith was ultimately cut from the roster, but McKenna went on to win bronze with the team. 

There was speculation that McKenna chose Penn State because the program was able to sign Smith, something McKenna denied when he first spoke with the media in September. Still, he acknowledged the history the two share.

“I grew up with Jackson. We played in tournaments together. He’s a great player. And, you know, the way he sees the ice is pretty special. And he’s got a lot of confidence out there, which is a very big key in hockey,” he said. “It’s good to have him here.”

McKenna added that Smith would be a good player to lean on as he prepares to go through the NHL Draft process himself in June, especially given Smith’s experience navigating that moment already. 

Their connection has repeatedly led to on-ice production, with multiple goals this season featuring one assisting the other. This most recently occurred during Penn State’s win over Notre Dame this past weekend, with a sequence that underscored just how comfortable the two have become reading off one another’s play.

Smith McKenna: The Freshman Connectionpic.twitter.com/My6cVp6aPB

— Onward State (@OnwardState) January 18, 2026

As the season has progressed, chemistry has started to matter more. For McKenna and Smith, that quality has shown up in how they play together, knowing where the other is going to be, when to move the puck, and when to make a play.

Smith shared a similar perspective, noting how that familiarity has grown as the year has gone on.

“It’s been amazing playing together all year now, just been getting better in the second half,” Smith said. “We’ve both been really good offensively and defensively.”

He continued, pointing to how much he enjoys sharing the ice with McKenna and how that relationship has translated beyond the scoresheet.

“It’s just been incredible. I love playing with him, and he’s an amazing guy and an amazing player, too.”

Around the program, their teammates have noticed their friendship. Matt DiMarsico admitted that he hadn’t seen the Taco Bell video, but still knew how close the two are.

“Oh yeah, they’re super close off the ice,” he said.  “I think they’re both really finding their form here in the second half, super excited for both.”

Head coach Guy Gadowsky may not be fully aware of all the team’s off-ice traditions, but he has noticed how comfortable the pair has become in State College and within the program.

“It does look to me like both of them are really enjoying State College and Penn State, and that’s important to us. We love seeing that,” Gadowsky said. “This is one of the premier college towns in the world.”

Some may be a little more skeptical of their tradition.

“Yeah, I think it’s insane,” Jarod Crespo said. “But if it works for you, it works. Keep doing it.”

The Taco Bell tradition, which only just started, may not be going anywhere anytime soon. When asked if it was becoming a regular thing, Smith didn’t completely rule it out. He did say it may just be a home thing and noted that they will have to cut down to just drinks at some point.

“What works, works, I guess,” Smith said. “It’s a little outrageous, for sure, but you gotta love it.”