Matt Campbell did not shy away from high expectations and a "championship mindset" in his introductory press conference as Penn State Football head coach (image via Mark Selders | Penn State Athletics)
When Matt Campbell arrived as the head coach of Penn State Football this winter, an entire convoy of former Iowa State Cyclones followed him to Happy Valley.
From players to the coaching staff, the Nittany Lions in 2026 certainly have the feel of a program being built on an Iowa State-East foundation that is familiar to Campbell.
The Ames-to-State College Express: Building an “Iowa State-East” Penn State Foundation
All told, 24 players and 10 of Campbell’s former assistant coaches or staffers from his time in Ames are alongside him in State College.
Athlon Sports recently published its survey of anonymous Big Ten coaches, including a compelling quote on why the familiarity to and with Campbell could prove vital for Penn State as the program looks to rediscover its footing this fall.
“I thought they did really well with their personnel,” one Big Ten coach told Athlon. “They obviously took a lot of Iowa State players. That made sense.
“They took pretty much that whole offensive staff and brought a lot of defensive players from Iowa State. That brings continuity throughout that roster.”
Can Matt Campbell Hit the Ground Running with Rocco Becht and the Passing Game?
In addition to quarterback Rocco Becht, wide receiver Chase Sowell, and safety Marcus Neal Jr., and the rest of the transfers on the field, Campbell is going to have the advantage of hitting the ground running because of his comfort and familiarity with the coaches that he brought with him from Iowa State.
With a favorable schedule looming, and a team meeting room loaded with players with plenty of experience playing for this coach and much of his staff, it will be fascinating to see just how much the continuity the Big Ten coach referenced translates into success on the field in Campbell’s first season at Penn State.
Kalani Sitake Breaks Silence on Just How Close He Came to Becoming Penn State’s Head Coach
Loved this story? Get all our Penn State football coverage and insider updates first. Join our FREE newsletter — your front-row seat to the Lions.
Lombardo is the founder, editor, and lead National NFL Reporter for Between The Hashmarks, and an on-air sports contributor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Lombardo has a deeply rooted passion for Penn State sports, including as a season ticket holder for Penn State Football.
Lombardo applies his journalistic instincts and relentless drive to guide the NittanyCentral staff to deliver the content readers are searching for.
Author
About the Author
