Penn State’s coaching shakeup has finally come to an end, with the university boldly appointing Iowa State’s Matt Campbell as its new head coach following James Franklin’s departure. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Campbell now faces the monumental task of rebuilding a roster that’s been gutted by graduating seniors and potential transfer portal exits. With just two players signed in the early 2026 recruiting window, the Nittany Lions are staring down a roster crisis—and Campbell’s solution may lie in bringing familiar faces from Ames to Happy Valley.
Penn State’s 2025 squad was a senior-heavy team, with 34 players honored on Senior Day. Many have exhausted their eligibility, and the transfer portal—opening January 2—will likely see several underclassmen depart. This leaves Campbell with little time to act, and his strategy will undoubtedly involve recruiting both current Iowa State players and members of the Cyclones’ 22-strong 2026 signing class. However, retaining Penn State’s existing young talent will be equally crucial. And this is the part most people miss: Campbell’s ability to blend the old with the new could define his success in State College.
Let’s explore the key Cyclones—both current and future—who could make the move to Penn State and reshape the program’s trajectory.
1. Redshirt Junior Quarterback Rocco Becht
One of Campbell’s most critical decisions will be at quarterback. While Penn State’s Ethan Grunkemeyer showed promise in Drew Allar’s absence, Becht has been Campbell’s starter for three seasons at Iowa State. Standing at 6-1 and 210 pounds, Becht earned second-team All-America and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2023, followed by an All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2024. Though his 2025 stats dipped slightly—215.33 yards per game, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions—he thrived in 2023 and 2024, throwing for over 240 yards per game with 48 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. Becht’s dual-threat ability is also noteworthy, with 19 career rushing touchdowns.
2. Junior Running Backs Carson Hanson and Abu Sama III
While not household names like Kaytron Allen or Nick Singleton, Hanson and Sama formed a dynamic backfield duo for the Cyclones. Hanson rushed for 950 yards and 6 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry in 2025, while Sama added 732 yards and 5 scores on 5.2 yards per attempt. Hanson’s breakout came in 2024 with 752 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Sama has consistently produced since 2023. Hanson also contributes as a receiver, catching at least 11 passes for 88 yards in each of his three seasons.
3. Junior Tight End Benjamin Brahmer
Penn State’s tight end tradition could continue with Brahmer, a 6-7, 255-pound powerhouse. Despite a season-shortening injury in 2024, Brahmer was a freshman All-American in 2023 and twice earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions. His 2025 campaign was his best yet, with 37 receptions for 446 yards and a team-high 6 touchdowns.
4. Sophomore Defensive Back Marcus Neal Jr.
Iowa State’s 27th-ranked scoring defense in 2025 relied heavily on its secondary, and Neal was a standout. The Kansas City native tied for the team lead with 77 tackles, adding 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His third-team All-Big 12 honors underscore his impact.
5. Redshirt Junior Defensive Back Jontez Williams
Williams may not have eye-popping stats, but his value lies in his coverage skills. According to PFF, he allowed just 8 receptions on 15 targets in 2025 and graded as Iowa State’s top defender. The Florida native has been a mainstay since 2022, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024.
6. Junior Linebacker Kooper Ebel
Ebel’s 77 tackles in 2025 matched Neal’s total, and his experience in Iowa State’s 3-3-5 scheme could be invaluable if Campbell brings defensive coordinator Jon Heacock to Penn State. Ebel’s consistency—69 tackles in 2024—makes him a reliable anchor.
7. Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Chase Sowell
Sowell’s journey has taken him from Colorado to East Carolina and finally to Iowa State. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he recorded 500 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Cyclones in 2025. His East Carolina tenure saw him haul in 81 receptions for 1,300 yards and 4 scores.
8. Sophomore Wide Receiver Brett Eskildsen
Eskildsen led Iowa State’s receiving corps in 2025 with 30 catches for 526 yards and 5 touchdowns. The three-star recruit from Frisco, Texas, has quickly emerged as a reliable target.
9. 2026 4-Star Wide Receiver Jeffrey Roberts
Roberts, a 6-foot, 180-pound prospect from Ames, Iowa, is Campbell’s highest-rated 2026 signee at No. 417 nationally. While convincing him to leave Iowa State’s backyard may be tough, his relationship with Campbell could tip the scales. Penn State’s receiver room would benefit from his high school resume: 117 receptions, 2,519 yards, and 31 touchdowns.
10. 2026 3-Star Defensive End Elijah Reeder
Reeder, Iowa State’s other top-500 signee, hails from New Jersey and fits squarely within Penn State’s recruiting footprint. His senior-year stats—50 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks—make him a priority for Campbell as he rebuilds relationships in the region.
Controversial Question: Can Campbell’s Iowa State Blueprint Succeed at Penn State?
While Campbell’s track record at Iowa State is impressive, Penn State’s expectations and Big Ten competition are a different beast. Do you think his reliance on former Cyclones players is a winning strategy, or should he focus more on retaining Penn State’s existing talent? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from settled.
