Penn State recruit Carter Bonner's positive reaction to the Matt Campbell hire, praising his program-building and development culture. (Syndication: The Ames Tribune)
Matt Campbell to Penn State has been finalized per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The 8-year deal to make Campbell the official head coach is pending the board’s approval of the financials. With the coaching search finally being over, recruiting now comes back into the forefront of things.
NittanyCentral has heard from 35 or more recruits.
Campbell’s hire has drawn a range of responses, but they’ve been predominantly positive.
Recruiting Reacts: Positive Vibe to Penn State’s Matt Campbell Hire
A lot of recruits were excited about Matt Campbell coming to Happy Valley.
One of the key in-state recruits, Carter Bonner described it this way. “Campbell took Iowa State a program that was basically irrelevant and made them competitive. He gets guys to buy in, play hard, and develop. Penn State already recruits well… pairing that with his culture? Tough.”
Another 2027, QB Ben Musser said was fired up about the Nittany Lions’ new head coach.
“It’s a great hire for Penn State!” Musser told NittanyCentral. “He’s done a great job in the previous years. Looking forward to what he builds in Happy Valley.”
In state 2027 EDGE Rusher Abraham Sesay echoed that excitement.
“It’s a great pick for them,” Sesay told NittanyCentral. ‘And I’m excited to learn more about him.”
Another one of Penn State’s key 2027 prospects, Jonathan Galette says he’s fired up about Campbell landing in Happy Valley.
“That’s great to hear,” Galette tells NittanyCentral. “I know he’s a great coach and I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Campbell’s First Penn State Challenge: Prospects Who Need to Be Convinced
The excitement and positivity resounded through nearly every recruit. However, there were some recruits that aren’t yet super familiar with Matt Campbell and his work.
“To be 100% honest I’m not familiar with Coach Campbell. But I think they are trying to do whatever is best for the program and I hopefully will get back up soon and meet with him.” Logan Steele, an in-state 2027 prospect stated.
A fellow in-state defender, Zykee Scott admitted he is not familiar with Campbell yet. “I gotta do some research on him…”
James Armstrong, a 2028 Pittsburgh native said. “Overall good he seems like a good coach.” Armstrong continued. “I hope him and his new staff get in touch with me because I’d love to start growing a relationship. Sad to see coach Smith not get the job but that connection is already built so where ever he goes will be somewhere on my radar.”
2028 AJ Lopez had some good insight into the entire situation.
“I see that college football has shifted in a crazy way this past season with all the firing hirings and recruit flips with me holding a Penn State offer. I wish them nothing but the best and would love to see how he and his staff will continue recruiting me . If they even will continue recruiting me, but I hope nothing but the best for the program.”
Several other recruits admitted they wanted Terry Smith to get the job.
However, the vast majority of the recruits seem to really respect Matt Campbell and the job he’s done at Iowa State.
3 Iowa State Players Matt Campbell Could Bring With Him to Penn State
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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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