Penn State's New Coach: Who Should Matt Campbell Bring Along?

Matt Campbell, the new head coach of Penn State, has a big task ahead. He needs to fill up the team quickly. Many players from the 2025 team are leaving. Some are graduating, and others might transfer. Campbell has to act fast and think outside the box. The transfer portal opens soon. Campbell might bring some of his old Iowa State players with him. He also has 22 new players from Iowa State's 2026 class to consider. But he should also try to keep some of Penn State's young talent. Let's talk about a few key players from Iowa State. These players could help Penn State next season. First, there's Rocco Becht, a redshirt junior quarterback. He's been Iowa State's starter for three seasons. He's had some great moments. In 2023, he was named second-team All-America. He's also a good runner, with 19 career rushing touchdowns. Then there are the running backs, Carson Hanson and Abu Sama III. They had a great season. Hanson had 950 yards and six touchdowns. Sama had 732 yards and five touchdowns. They both average over five yards per carry. Benjamin Brahmer is a junior tight end. He's big, at 6-7 and 255 pounds. He's been a key player for Iowa State. In 2025, he had 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, there's Marcus Neal Jr. , a sophomore defensive back. He had 77 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. Jontez Williams, a redshirt junior defensive back, also had a great season. He allowed only eight receptions in 15 targets. Kooper Ebel, a junior linebacker, had 77 tackles and three pass breakups. He's a veteran player who could help lead the defense. At wide receiver, Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen had good seasons. Sowell had 500 yards and two touchdowns. Eskildsen led the team with 526 yards and five touchdowns. Campbell might also bring some of his 2026 signees. Jeffrey Roberts is a four-star wide receiver. He had a great high school career, with 2, 519 yards and 31 touchdowns. Elijah Reeder is a three-star defensive end. He had 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his senior year.