Penn State’s Offseason Reset: Matt Campbell Ushers in a New Era in Happy Valley
When Penn State parted ways with James Franklin just six games into a 2025 season that began with championship aspirations, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. The Nittany Lions weren’t just making a coaching change-they were signaling a total reset. In came Matt Campbell, fresh off a decade-long run at Iowa State, tasked with building a College Football Playoff contender in the heart of the Big Ten.
Campbell’s arrival brought optimism, but also a tall order. Franklin didn’t leave the cupboard bare, but he did take some key pieces with him.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles followed suit, and the roster saw some major movement. Still, Campbell wasted no time using his Iowa State connections and the transfer portal to bring in foundational talent.
Let’s break down the key moves that defined Penn State’s pivotal offseason-and what they mean for the road ahead.
Most Important Addition: Rocco Becht (QB)
Quarterback play was a rollercoaster in 2025, and with Drew Allar out of eligibility and Ethan Grunkmeyer hitting the portal, there was a massive void under center. Enter Rocco Becht, Campbell’s signal-caller at Iowa State, who brings with him not just familiarity with the system, but a steady hand.
Becht may not wow with elite arm talent or athleticism, but what he offers is consistency-something this offense desperately needs. He understands the reads, knows where to go with the football, and keeps the offense on schedule. That high floor could be the difference between chaos and cohesion during Campbell’s first season in charge.
Most Impactful Addition: Ben Brahmer (TE)
If there’s one player who could become a household name in Happy Valley sooner rather than later, it’s tight end Ben Brahmer. He was Rocco Becht’s go-to target at Iowa State, hauling in 47 catches for 446 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Brahmer’s chemistry with Becht is already established, and that connection should translate immediately. As a receiving threat, he brings size, soft hands, and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. He’ll need to improve as a run blocker-especially in a physical Big Ten-but as a pass-catcher, Brahmer has the tools to be a game-changer.
Sleeper Addition: Keith Jones Jr. (WR)
Wide receiver was another area of need after Trebor Pena and Kyron Hudson declared for the NFL Draft. While Penn State made several moves at the position, one name flying under the radar is Grambling State freshman Keith Jones Jr.
Jones put together a promising season with 31 catches for 438 yards and four touchdowns. He’s still developing, but the upside is real.
He’s got speed, body control, and a knack for creating separation-traits that could help him carve out a role sooner than expected. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a key piece of the passing game as the season unfolds.
Highest Upside Addition: Brock Riker (C)
Finding elite offensive linemen in the portal is no easy task, but Campbell may have struck gold with Brock Riker. The redshirt freshman center from Texas State didn’t allow a single sack across 438 pass-blocking snaps last season. That’s not just impressive-it’s elite.
Now, the Big Ten is a different animal. The defensive fronts are bigger, faster, and more complex.
But Riker has the foundation-technique, awareness, and toughness-to make the leap. If he continues to develop, he could anchor this line for years to come.
Biggest Loss: Chaz Coleman (EDGE)
This one stings. Every time true freshman Chaz Coleman stepped on the field, he flashed elite pass-rushing potential. He was explosive off the edge, disruptive in the backfield, and looked like a future star.
But instead of becoming the face of Penn State’s defense, Coleman hit the portal and landed at Tennessee with Jim Knowles. Losing that kind of talent-especially after just one season-is a gut punch. It’s not just about production; it’s about losing a player who could’ve been the cornerstone of your defense.
Coaching Hire Grade: A
Penn State’s coaching search had its share of twists and turns. At one point, it looked like they were striking out across the board as names like Curt Cignetti, Matt Rhule, and Kalani Sitake re-upped with their current programs. But in the end, they landed a proven winner in Matt Campbell.
What Campbell did at Iowa State-building a competitive program in a tough Big 12 landscape with limited resources-was no small feat. Now he steps into a program with top-tier facilities, a passionate fanbase, and the kind of recruiting reach that can elevate his ceiling. It’s a hire that makes sense on every level.
Offensive Offseason Grade: A-
Campbell had to rebuild large chunks of the offense, and he did so with purpose. Becht gives them a stable presence at quarterback, Brahmer is a dynamic weapon at tight end, and Riker could become a foundational piece on the line.
The only real knock? Penn State didn’t land a marquee running back to replace Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both of whom are off to the NFL.
Still, the pieces are in place for this offense to be efficient and competitive from day one.
Defensive Offseason Grade: B
This side of the ball took the biggest hit. Coleman, Amare Campbell, AJ Harris, Dejuan Lane, and Xavier Gilliam all transferred to playoff-caliber programs, leaving some major holes. The Nittany Lions made some solid additions, but they didn’t fully replace the firepower they lost.
That said, new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has shown he can coach up a defense. He’ll have his work cut out for him, but there’s enough talent to work with-especially if the staff can develop some of the younger players quickly.
Overall Offseason Grade: B+
Penn State’s offseason was a mix of bold moves and missed opportunities. Hiring Matt Campbell was a clear win, but the delay in making that move allowed James Franklin to poach key recruits and players, which could have long-term implications.
Still, Campbell has laid a strong foundation. The short-term outlook is promising, and if early success follows, this program could be right back in the national conversation sooner than expected.
The rebuild has begun in Happy Valley-and it’s already showing signs of something special.