4-star Offensive Lineman Will Slagle on new Penn State coach Matt Campbell, confirming he will open his recruitment after the Iowa State surprise. (Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
As Penn State fans learn more about Matt Campbell, one of the biggest unknowns is how he will recruit at Penn State.
On Friday, NittanyCentral caught up with one of the nation’s top 2027 Offensive Linemen, Will Slagle.
4-Star Commit Calls Campbell “The Best Coach in College Football”
Slagle is a 4-star Iowa State commit. From small town Grinnell, Iowa Slagle stands 6-4, 280 pounds.
He holds offers from Iowa State, Nebraska, Auburn, and several others. Slagle had high praise for new Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell.
“Coach Campbell, he is the best coach in college football,” Slagle tells NittanyCentral. “I’ll say that confidently. He brings such a culture to his program, there’s really no way to describe it until you’re around those players and those guys.”
Slagle expanded on the type of culture Campbell has, and why it is the envy of college football.
“He brings in specific guys to his program that are alike. They have the same wants.” Slagle continued. “The thing with Coach Campbell was, he did pretty dang good in-state. Getting a lot of kids in-state and the surrounding states he had a lot of midwest guys that have the same values… Everyone was naturally a family.”
Shockwave: Why Will Slagle is “Opening Back Up” His Recruitment
Understandably, the news of the day was a lot to work through for Slagle. Slagle grew up as a big Iowa State fan. His Dad and Uncle played football there. He spoke to the surprise of it all.
“This has happened a lot… People tired to get [Coach Campbell] before.” Slagle said. “Last night we were all like ‘No, it won’t happen, it won’t happen.’ Well this morning it started getting a little more serious.”
Slagle was actually in a chemistry test when everything happened.
“Can’t be on my phone [during the test],” Slagle explained. “I feel my phone in my pocket just blowing up. I open my phone, and man, I got commits from Iowa State texting me. I got a player texting me…”
Penn State Option: The New Staff’s First High-Stakes Target
With the surprising Campbell news, Slagle may take some time to re-evaluate things. But, he is open to Penn State should things go that way.
“I feel like I’m committed to the coaches.” Slagle said about his recruitment. “I’ll explore my options. I have a lot of options. But, I’m going to be probably opening back up with my recruitment. I’d be willing to explore Penn State as an option. I’m looking for more options.”
3 Iowa State Players Matt Campbell Could Bring With Him to Penn State
Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
- EXCLUSIVE: “Campbell Is the BEST Coach”—Why 4-Star Will Slagle Will Still Open Up His Recruitment - December 6, 2025
- ‘His Culture? Tough’: In-State Recruits React to Matt Campbell’s Hire at Penn State [EXCLUSIVE] - December 5, 2025
- 3 Iowa State Players Matt Campbell Could Bring With Him to Penn State - December 5, 2025
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