Get ready for an exciting chapter in Penn State football! The Nittany Lions have a new leader, and his name is Matt Campbell. With a fresh start, Campbell faces a crucial task: rebuilding a roster that's lost many seniors.
But here's the twist: Penn State only signed two players during the early 2026 recruiting window, leaving a significant gap to fill. Thirty-four seniors were honored, and many have already completed their eligibility. Add to that the expected departures via the transfer portal, and you've got a challenging situation.
So, how will Campbell tackle this? He'll need to act fast and think creatively. The transfer portal opens on January 2nd, and Campbell is expected to bring in some of his former Iowa State players and a few from the Cyclones' 2026 signees. But that's not all; he should also focus on retaining Penn State's young talent from the 2025 team.
Let's dive into some key players, both current and future, who could be on Penn State's radar for next season.
Redshirt Junior Quarterback Rocco Becht: Campbell has a big decision to make at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer showed promise, but Campbell has worked with Becht as the Cyclones' starter for three seasons. Becht, at 6'1" and 210 pounds, has impressed with his performance. He earned second-team All-America and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 and was an all-Big 12 honorable mention in 2024.
Junior Running Backs Carson Hanson and Abu Sama III: Iowa State had a solid duo in the backfield this season. Hanson rushed for 950 yards and six touchdowns, while Sama contributed 732 yards and five scores. The Cyclones ranked 51st nationally in rushing thanks to these two.
Junior Tight End Benjamin Brahmer: Penn State has a soft spot for tight ends, and so did Campbell at Iowa State. Brahmer, a towering 6'7" and 255 pounds, has been a key player for the Cyclones. He was a freshman All-American in 2023 and has twice been an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
Sophomore Defensive Back Marcus Neal Jr. and Redshirt Junior Defensive Back Jontez Williams: Iowa State's defense ranked 27th in scoring in 2025, and a strong secondary was crucial to their success. Neal earned third-team All-Big 12 marks, and Williams, though his stats don't reflect it, was a top defender for the Cyclones.
Junior Linebacker Kooper Ebel: Ebel tied with Neal for tackles. If Campbell brings defensive coordinator Jon Heacock to Happy Valley, Ebel's experience in the 3-3-5 scheme could be valuable.
Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Chase Sowell and Sophomore Wide Receiver Brett Eskildsen: Sowell has experience at three schools and was a notable transfer for Campbell last year. Eskildsen, however, led the Cyclones in 2025 with 30 catches and five touchdowns.
2026 4-star Wide Receiver Jeffrey Roberts and 3-star Defensive End Elijah Reeder: Campbell might look to bring some of his 2026 signees to Penn State. Roberts, ranked 417th, is the highest-rated among them. Reeder, from New Jersey, is the only other top-500 signee and could be a valuable addition to the team.
Penn State's new era under Matt Campbell is full of potential and challenges. What do you think? Will Campbell's strategies pay off? Share your thoughts in the comments!
