Penn State Wrestling Rolls Past Nebraska as New Football Coach Matt Campbell Soaks in the Scene
STATE COLLEGE - Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center was vintage Penn State wrestling - dominant, electric, and packed with pride. The undefeated Nittany Lions took the mat against sixth-ranked Nebraska and did what they do best: win convincingly. Cael Sanderson’s squad claimed seven of ten bouts, cruising to a 26-12 victory and reminding everyone why they remain the gold standard in college wrestling.
But there was more than just top-tier wrestling on display. New Penn State football coach Matt Campbell was in the house, getting his first taste of the program’s championship culture - and he liked what he saw. Campbell, who arrived in Happy Valley from Iowa State, took in the action alongside some of his assistants, soaking in the energy of a crowd that knows its wrestling and shows up in force.
Campbell’s presence wasn’t just ceremonial. He was part of the moment, addressing the crowd early in the match and leading the iconic “We Are” chant that echoed through the arena. It was a fitting introduction for a coach stepping into a program - and a university - that thrives on tradition and excellence.
And if you’re wondering what Campbell thought of the experience, let’s just say he was impressed.
“To watch Cael and his team, to watch this fan base - man, just to watch the excellence that it stands for and to see the fan base be so educated on what’s going on, even within the match, was so powerful to watch,” Campbell said. “It was really one of those moments that you’re just like, wow, how special is this place.”
From the way he talked about the night, it’s clear Campbell sees something deeper in the Penn State culture - a shared standard of excellence that extends beyond just one sport. He praised the way Sanderson’s wrestlers competed, how they carried themselves, and the passion of the fans who filled the BJC.
And the admiration runs both ways. Sanderson, who led the Nittany Lions to yet another dominant win, had high praise for the new football coach.
“He’s just our kind of guy,” Sanderson said. “He just fits right in, similar perspective and focus.
I don’t know him real well. I’m looking forward to spending more time with him.”
The two have some shared history - Sanderson won four national titles as a wrestler at Iowa State, the same school where Campbell built his coaching reputation. That common ground could be the foundation for a strong connection between two of Penn State’s most visible leaders.
“We’ve communicated back and forth a few times and talked on the phone,” Sanderson added. “I think he’s going to do a great job. I think we’re in a good spot.”
Campbell didn’t stop with wrestling. He was also on hand Saturday at Beaver Stadium for the outdoor hockey game between Penn State and Michigan State, a spectacle that drew over 74,000 fans. It’s clear he’s diving headfirst into the Penn State experience, embracing the community, the energy, and the high expectations that come with the job.
But Friday night was about wrestling - and once again, the Nittany Lions delivered. In front of a raucous crowd and their new football coach, they looked every bit the powerhouse they’re known to be. And for Campbell, it was a front-row seat to the kind of excellence he’s now tasked with building on the gridiron.