Iowa State’s Matt Campbell Navigates a New Recruiting Era With Confidence in 2026 Class
AMES - When Matt Campbell first took the reins at Toledo back in 2012, recruiting in early December looked a whole lot different than it does now. Back then, this time of year meant home visits, living room conversations, and the kind of personal connection that helped build trust between coaches and recruits. Fast forward to 2025, and the Iowa State head coach is navigating a recruiting landscape that’s been reshaped by the transfer portal and a front-loaded recruiting calendar.
“It’s certainly different,” Campbell said on Wednesday, during what’s now the marquee moment of the recruiting cycle: early signing day.
The changes are hard to ignore. Gone are the days when coaches could spend December on the road, sitting down with families and making their final pitches in person. Now, with early signing day taking center stage and the portal looming just weeks away, the focus is split between locking down new talent and retaining the roster already in place.
Still, despite the shifting terrain, Campbell remains upbeat - and for good reason. Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be his best yet. Ranked 48th nationally by 247Sports, it’s the highest-rated class he’s brought in during his decade in Ames.
“I’ve always said this, even as a young coach - I love signing day because everybody gets up there and tells everybody how great they are,” Campbell said with a smile. “And the reality is, you won’t know for two or three years. But one of the things I’m really excited about with this group is, again, 10 years being somewhere, you know who fits, you know what you’re looking for and you haven’t wavered.”
Campbell and his staff signed 22 players on Wednesday, along with four preferred walk-ons. And while rankings tell part of the story, Campbell is more focused on how these players align with the identity he’s built at Iowa State - one rooted in leadership, toughness, and team-first mentality.
Building Blocks and Familiar Bloodlines
One of the headliners of the class is Mason Bandhauer, an offensive lineman out of Fort Collins, Colorado. He had offers from Kansas State, Kansas, and Oklahoma State, but chose Iowa State - a decision that carries a little extra meaning. Bandhauer’s father, Todd, played quarterback for the Cyclones from 1995 to 1998, making Mason a legacy addition with deep ties to the program.
“It’s been really awesome to just watch his journey,” Campbell said. “He’s been a great leader of this recruiting class.”
Another name that jumps off the page is Jeffrey Roberts, a 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver from Ames who transferred to Dowling Catholic and helped lead the team to a Class 5A state title. Roberts brings speed, polish, and a relentless work ethic - traits that caught Campbell’s eye throughout the season.
“Jeffrey is a really special human being who has worked really hard to grow into a great football player,” Campbell said. “You saw him just keep getting better and better.”
And then there’s Elijah Reeder, a late-rising defensive lineman from New Jersey who fits the mold of an under-the-radar gem. At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Reeder racked up 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his senior season - and he’s still just scratching the surface.
“I feel like sometimes when we do things too early, the whole world finds out,” Campbell said. “So sometimes you’ve gotta keep it close to your vest, and Elijah’s kind of one of those guys.
He’s got elite traits. Size, 6-8 wingspan, a guy with great size, great ability.”
A New Era of Roster Management
While Campbell is clearly energized by the incoming class, he’s also fully aware of the balancing act that comes with modern roster management. Early signing day may be the headline event, but the transfer portal - which opens on Jan. 2 - adds a new layer of complexity.
“Now you’re trying to figure out who’s staying and who’s going and what does that all look like,” Campbell said. “It’s a new era, a new time, but it’s drastically changed for sure.”
It’s not just about adding talent anymore - it’s about keeping it, too. And for Campbell, that means maintaining strong relationships within the locker room while also identifying the right fits from outside.
Injury Updates Ahead of Bowl Season
As Iowa State awaits its bowl destination following an 8-4 regular season, Campbell did offer some encouraging news on the health front. Safety Jamison Patton, who’s missed the past three games due to injury, is expected to be available. So is offensive lineman Trevor Buhr, who sat out the win over Oklahoma State with an ankle issue.
Both players could be key pieces as the Cyclones look to cap off a strong season with a postseason win - and perhaps carry some momentum into what’s shaping up to be a promising 2026.
In a college football world that’s constantly evolving, Campbell isn’t just adjusting - he’s adapting with purpose. And if this class lives up to its billing, it could be another foundational step in what he’s building in Ames.