Matt Campbell’s arrival at Penn State is already making waves - and not just because of what he might bring from Iowa State. One of his first big moves? Keeping a Nittany Lion legend in the building.
Sources indicate that Trace McSorley, the former Penn State quarterback and 2025 assistant quarterbacks coach, is expected to remain on staff under Campbell. While his exact role hasn’t been finalized, the timing - and the vacancy at quarterbacks coach - makes this a particularly intriguing development.
Let’s unpack why this matters.
First, McSorley isn’t just a former player. He’s one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Penn State history - a guy whose name still echoes around Happy Valley for all the right reasons. From 2015 to 2018, McSorley was the heartbeat of the Nittany Lions’ offense, leading the team to a Big Ten title in 2016 and a pair of major bowl appearances, including a dramatic Rose Bowl showdown against USC and a Fiesta Bowl win over Washington.
Statistically, he was a machine. McSorley led the Big Ten in passing yards in both 2016 and 2017 and finished his college career with 9,899 passing yards, 77 passing touchdowns, and 107 total touchdowns.
He also racked up 1,697 rushing yards - nearly 800 of those coming in his senior season alone. That dual-threat ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a perfect fit for the high-octane offenses Penn State ran during his tenure.
And it wasn’t just the numbers. McSorley was a gamer - the kind of quarterback who thrived under pressure.
His most iconic moment? Rallying the Nittany Lions from a 28-7 deficit to beat Wisconsin 38-31 in the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
That win sent Penn State to the Rose Bowl and cemented McSorley’s legacy in program history.
Fast forward to now, and his coaching career is starting to take shape. After serving as assistant quarterbacks coach this past season, McSorley is positioned for a potential promotion.
With Jake Waters - Campbell’s quarterbacks coach at Iowa State - reportedly not following him to Happy Valley, the door is wide open. And few candidates would understand the demands of the job, the expectations of the fan base, and the intricacies of the position quite like McSorley.
There was some buzz that McSorley might head to Virginia Tech, where former Penn State assistant Ty Howle is now the offensive coordinator. That move would’ve made sense given their shared history. But instead, it looks like McSorley is staying home - and that could be a major win for Campbell as he looks to build continuity while putting his own stamp on the program.
Bringing McSorley deeper into the fold would give Penn State a coach who not only knows the quarterback position but has lived it at the highest level in the Big Ten. He’s been in the locker room, under center, and in the spotlight. Now, he could be in the meeting room, helping the next generation of Penn State quarterbacks find their way.
For a program entering a new era, keeping a familiar face like McSorley - especially one with his pedigree and passion for Penn State - could be exactly what the Nittany Lions need.