The winds of change have swept through Happy Valley, and they’ve brought a familiar breeze with them. Penn State football is officially entering the Matt Campbell era, and if the early signs are any indication, this is more than just a coaching change - it’s a full-scale identity shift.
Campbell, who took the reins in recent months, wasted no time reshaping the Nittany Lions' roster. Nearly 40 new faces have joined the program via the transfer portal, and more than half of those hail from a place Campbell knows all too well: Iowa State. In total, 24 former Cyclones have followed their former head coach east to State College, creating what feels like a Big 12-to-Big Ten migration.
But this isn’t just about numbers. These aren’t depth-filler transfers or players looking for a fresh start - many of them are poised to play meaningful snaps across all three phases of the game.
From starting roles to key rotational spots, this group is expected to leave a tangible mark on the 2026 season. And looking ahead to 2027, they could form the foundation of something much bigger.
Campbell himself acknowledged the whirlwind nature of the past couple of months, calling it “a joy to watch this thing come together.” Speaking at a recent press conference, he emphasized that while the roster overhaul has been significant, the real work is just beginning. Winter conditioning is the next checkpoint, followed by the all-important stretch of spring football - where chemistry gets built, depth charts begin to take shape, and the blueprint for the fall starts to reveal itself.
What’s striking here is the level of continuity Campbell has brought with him. It’s not just players making the move from Ames to State College - a substantial portion of his coaching staff has made the leap as well.
That kind of cohesion matters. It means systems don’t need to be built from scratch, terminology doesn’t need to be relearned, and trust - that ever-elusive ingredient in team sports - is already baked in.
This influx of talent and familiarity gives Penn State a unique advantage as it transitions into a new era. There’s no guessing game when it comes to what Campbell wants out of his players - many of them have already lived it. And for the younger Nittany Lions who haven’t, they now have a locker room full of teammates and coaches who can show them the way.
As we wait to see how it all comes together on the field, it’s worth taking stock of the paths these players took to get here. From seasoned veterans who’ve already proven themselves at the Power Five level to up-and-comers looking to break out, this group brings a wide range of experience and upside. What unites them is a shared belief in Campbell’s vision - and a willingness to help bring it to life in a new setting.
Spring ball will offer the first real glimpse of how these pieces fit. But make no mistake: this isn’t just a rebuild.
It’s a reboot, with a clear identity, a familiar core, and a coach who knows exactly what he wants. Penn State football looks different - and that might be exactly what it needs.