The Penn State Nittany Lions are embarking on a new chapter with Matt Campbell stepping in to replace James Franklin. This shift marks a fresh start for the storied program, aiming to steer back toward the College Football Playoff under Campbell's guidance.
ESPN's Greg McElroy, speaking on "Always College Football," praised Campbell, noting the program's smart blend of stability and major college football experience. Campbell, who spent nine seasons at the helm of Iowa State, is known for his strong identity-building approach-a trait McElroy believes will translate well to State College, despite any media skepticism.
"While some might call it a ‘rebuild,’ Matt Campbell's approach is much more comprehensive," McElroy commented. "He’s not just laying the foundation; he’s bringing the entire package. In many ways, it’s like Iowa State East."
Drawing parallels without directly comparing, McElroy highlighted a similar strategy to Indiana's success under Curt Cignetti, who revitalized their program by integrating key players from James Madison.
“If you think it’s a step down, think again," McElroy stated. "Starting from scratch and assembling a cohesive team is no small feat. Look at Indiana’s transformation under Cignetti."
With a manageable schedule ahead, McElroy sees the Nittany Lions as potential contenders in the conference championship race, keeping them in the postseason conversation if everything aligns.
“They’re a smart, solid football team,” McElroy said. “They might not be the flashiest pick, but staying ‘in the hunt’ should be the expectation, especially with former Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht joining Campbell at Penn State.”
Key matchups loom large, with back-to-back Big Ten clashes against the USC Trojans and a trip to face a potentially resurgent Michigan Wolverines team.
The rest of the schedule looks favorable, positioning the Nittany Lions to define their identity as the season unfolds.
“They won’t beat themselves or falter in crucial moments," McElroy added. "Expect them to be consistently good, even if it’s not always flashy.”
As August approaches, all eyes will be on whether this new era signals a turnaround for the Nittany Lions.