With Matt Campbell now officially at the helm of Penn State football, the ripple effects are already being felt in Ames. A wave of Iowa State players have entered the transfer portal, and it’s no surprise that several names from the Cyclones’ roster could be on the Nittany Lions’ radar-especially with Campbell, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters all now in Happy Valley.
Let’s break down some of the key Iowa State players in the portal who could follow their former head coach to State College.
Rocco Becht, Quarterback
This one’s as straightforward as it gets. Rocco Becht was the face of Iowa State’s offense over the past three seasons, and his connection to Campbell runs deep.
After redshirting in 2022, Becht exploded onto the scene in 2023, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. From there, he led the Cyclones to 26 wins across three seasons, including a historic 2024 campaign that saw Iowa State notch its first-ever double-digit win season and reach the Big 12 title game.
Becht’s numbers speak volumes: 9,274 passing yards, 64 touchdowns through the air, plus another 499 yards and 16 scores on the ground. He’s a dual-threat leader with big-game experience, and with Penn State in transition at quarterback, the fit here feels natural. Add in the familiarity with Mouser and Waters, and you’ve got a potential plug-and-play starter who already knows the system.
Carson Hansen, Running Back
With Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton headed to the NFL, Penn State’s backfield is suddenly wide open. Enter Carson Hansen, a bruising, versatile back who handled lead duties for Iowa State in 2025. The former two-time Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year rushed for 1,771 yards and 19 touchdowns in his Cyclones career, and also contributed 337 receiving yards and two more scores.
Penn State has a talented but young group of backs waiting in the wings, but with coaching turnover and portal uncertainty, Hansen could provide immediate stability and production. He’s a north-south runner with solid hands, and he’s already thrived in Campbell’s system.
Chase Sowell, Wide Receiver
The Nittany Lions are facing a full-on reset at wide receiver. With Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross, Kyron Hudson, and Liam Clifford all out of eligibility-and questions swirling around young talents like Koby Howard and Tyseer Denmark-Penn State needs proven depth.
Chase Sowell could be that guy. After starting his career at East Carolina, Sowell transferred to Iowa State for the 2025 season, where he posted 32 catches for 500 yards and two touchdowns.
Over his career, he’s racked up 115 receptions, 1,823 yards, and six scores. He’s a reliable route-runner with good size and experience, and there’s already a connection with wide receivers coach Noah Pauley, who also made the move to Penn State.
Marcus Neal Jr., Safety
With Zakee Wheatley declaring for the NFL Draft, Penn State has a hole to fill on the back end of its defense. Marcus Neal Jr. could be the answer. Arguably Iowa State’s top defensive player in 2025, Neal took a major leap in his second season, finishing with 77 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions.
He’s rangy, physical, and instinctive-traits that would fit well in Manny Diaz’s aggressive defensive scheme. Neal’s growth curve is pointing straight up, and with a need at safety, the Nittany Lions would be wise to take a long look.
Jeremiah Cooper, Cornerback
Versatility is the name of the game with Jeremiah Cooper. A three-year starter for the Cyclones, Cooper began his career at safety before transitioning to cornerback in 2025.
That flexibility makes him a valuable asset for any secondary, especially one like Penn State’s that just lost A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington II to the portal.
Cooper’s resume includes 134 total tackles and eight interceptions, and he brings a veteran presence to a room that suddenly needs it. Whether he lines up outside or slides back to safety, Cooper could be a difference-maker right away.
Benjamin Brahmer, Tight End
Even with former tight ends coach Ty Howle now calling plays at Virginia Tech, Penn State still has a strong development pipeline at the position. And Benjamin Brahmer fits the mold of the modern, pass-catching tight end that’s thrived in this system.
An All-Big 12 selection in 2025, Brahmer caught 37 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns. He’s a reliable red-zone target with soft hands and a big frame, and with Mouser now coaching tight ends in addition to coordinating the offense, the transition could be seamless.
Brendan Black, Offensive Line
The trenches are where Penn State might feel the most immediate impact this offseason. With four of five starting offensive linemen heading to the NFL, the Lions need experience and toughness up front. Brendan Black brings both.
A three-year starter at right guard, Black started 30 of 36 games for Iowa State and became the first Cyclones lineman since 2008 to earn a freshman start-joining the likes of Kelechi Osemele and Scott Haughton. He’s durable, battle-tested, and familiar with the offensive system that will be in place at Penn State.
Bottom Line
Matt Campbell’s move to Penn State isn’t just a coaching change-it’s a potential roster shift. With several key players from Iowa State hitting the portal, there’s a real opportunity for the Nittany Lions to reload with athletes who already know the system, the staff, and the expectations.
From quarterback to the offensive line, and from the secondary to skill positions, the Cyclone-to-Lion pipeline could be one of the most impactful storylines of this offseason.