Penn State Taps Jake Waters as Quarterbacks Coach, Reuniting Him With Familiar Faces in State College
Penn State is bringing in a new voice to its quarterback room, and it’s one that already knows the system-and the people-well. Jake Waters, who’s been part of Matt Campbell’s Iowa State staff since 2021, is set to become the Nittany Lions’ new quarterbacks coach.
Waters’ coaching journey under Campbell has been a steady climb. He started off as an offensive quality control coach in Ames, then moved into an on-field role as running backs coach in 2024 before transitioning to quarterbacks coach later that same year. Now, he’s headed to Happy Valley, where he’ll be tasked with developing a young but talented quarterback group that’s still finding its identity in a post-Sean Clifford era.
This move continues a growing trend of Campbell’s trusted lieutenants making their way to State College, signaling a clear continuity of philosophy and culture. Waters brings not just familiarity with Campbell’s offensive system, but also a personal connection to Penn State that goes back to his playing days.
Before he was coaching quarterbacks, Waters was one himself-and a good one. A standout at Iowa Western Community College, he once broke Cam Newton’s single-season completion percentage record by hitting 73.3% of his passes.
That caught the eye of then-Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien, who recruited Waters before he ultimately chose Kansas State. Now, more than a decade later, he’s finally wearing blue and white-this time with a headset on.
Waters’ promotion at Iowa State last year came with high praise from Campbell, who called him “a valuable and talented member of our coaching staff” and credited his rise to “hard work and the impact he’s made during his four seasons with the program.” That kind of endorsement speaks volumes, especially in a coaching world where trust and track record mean everything.
At Penn State, Waters won’t be alone in shaping the quarterback room. Former Nittany Lion standout Trace McSorley is expected to return in 2026 in a role similar to the assistant quarterbacks coach position he currently holds. Between McSorley’s firsthand knowledge of what it takes to win in the Big Ten and Waters’ experience developing quarterbacks in a system similar to Penn State’s evolving offense, the program is assembling a brain trust that could pay dividends down the line.
Of course, with any coaching move, the transfer portal buzz follows. There’s already speculation around whether Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht might consider following the staff east.
Becht, however, has not entered the portal and hasn’t made any public indication that he plans to do so. He recently underwent labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, which could factor into any decisions about his immediate future.
Becht had a solid 2025 campaign, throwing for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 60.5% of his passes. Over his career in Ames, he racked up 9,274 passing yards and 64 touchdowns-numbers that speak to both his talent and consistency. If he were to make a move, it would be a significant addition for any program.
For now, though, the focus in State College is on Waters. His hire brings a blend of coaching acumen, system familiarity, and a long-standing connection to the program.
It’s another calculated piece in what’s becoming a very intentional rebuild under Campbell’s leadership. And with a quarterback room that still has plenty of untapped potential, Waters’ arrival could be just the spark Penn State needs.