Matt Campbell Wastes No Time Building Relationships, Setting the Tone at Penn State
Matt Campbell hasn’t even been in State College for two full weeks, but he’s already making his presence felt-and not just in the headlines. The new Penn State head coach is putting in the work behind the scenes, laying the foundation for what he hopes is a new era of Nittany Lion football. And it starts with one-on-one conversations, not sweeping declarations.
Campbell made it clear from the jump: he wants to know his players. Not just their stats or highlight reels, but their stories-what they’ve been through, what they care about, and what they want out of this program. That message has already resonated with several players, including wide receiver Trebor Peña.
“He's definitely been around in the building,” Peña said during a recent Zoom interview. “He's been having meetings with the team.
Had my meeting with him last week. I got to meet him.
He's a great dude. You can tell he cares, and you can tell he's smart.
You can tell he's well respected. I'm excited for the guys that are staying, and I'm excited for where he takes this program.”
That kind of early connection matters, especially in today’s college football landscape where player movement is constant and trust is currency. Peña, who transferred to Penn State from Syracuse last summer, brings a unique perspective. He’s a sixth-year senior who’s only been in Happy Valley for a short time, but that brief stint gave him enough insight to offer Campbell a fresh viewpoint.
“He's trying to get a sense of what older guys feel,” Peña added. “I'm a new guy.
Only been here since May. I had a different perspective on Penn State than probably some of the guys that've been here for a lot of years.
I feel like he was just trying to get a lot of different perspectives and see where to take the program in future.”
That’s the key here-Campbell isn’t just talking. He’s listening. And he’s doing it across the roster, from veterans on their way out to younger players who could be cornerstones of the program’s future.
One of those younger players is quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who actually has a bit of history with Campbell. Coming out of Olentangy High School, Grunkemeyer visited Iowa State, so Campbell’s pitch isn’t entirely new to him.
“I've met with him a couple times now, and since recruiting, I've always had a really good impression on him,” Grunkemeyer said. “I know the culture he's built at Iowa State, and I really like that from recruiting.
I think it'll carry over here really well. So, just a really good impression.
I like how he handles the program, and I like what he's about as a coach and as a person.”
That culture Grunkemeyer is referring to? It’s one built on toughness, accountability, and development. And while Campbell doesn’t have deep ties to most of the current Penn State roster, he’s already working to bridge that gap-fast.
Part of that process involves trying to keep players in the fold, especially those with remaining eligibility. Campbell’s not just pitching a vision; he’s inviting players to help shape it. But he’s also being honest-if you’re not all in, there’s the door.
“We had a team meeting, very clear,” defensive back Cam Miller said. “If you don’t want to be here, the door is open.”
That kind of blunt clarity might not be for everyone, but it sets the tone. Campbell isn’t interested in sugarcoating or dragging players along. He wants commitment, and he’s giving his guys the space to decide if they’re on board.
Veteran linebacker Dom DeLuca, who will suit up one final time in the Pinstripe Bowl, appreciated the approach. After five seasons in the blue and white, DeLuca’s perspective carries weight-and Campbell knows it.
“I was able to meet with him and have a brief meeting and conversation with him. He seems like a great guy,” DeLuca said.
“I'm excited to see what he does here for Penn State and the program. Trying to get to know him was awesome.
He seems like he's really helping, trying to do whatever he could to help the players achieve their goals.”
Campbell’s not doing it alone, either. He’s brought key members of his Iowa State staff with him, and they’re already starting to make connections. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters have both met with Grunkemeyer, who came away impressed.
“I like Mouser’s philosophy,” Grunkemeyer said. “Had good talks with Waters.”
On the defensive side, secondary coach Deon Broomfield has started building relationships as well. Miller called him a “great dude,” and that early rapport could go a long way in stabilizing a unit that’s seen its share of turnover.
There’s talent on this Penn State roster-no question. And Campbell knows it.
What he didn’t have at Iowa State in terms of depth and blue-chip recruits, he now inherits in State College. But talent alone doesn’t win in the Big Ten.
Culture does. Development does.
Buy-in does.
That’s why these early meetings matter. That’s why Campbell is walking the halls, sitting down with players, and asking real questions. Not just about football, but about their lives, their goals, and what they want this program to be.
It’s early, but the message is clear: if you’re ready to build something, Campbell’s got a spot for you. If not, there’s no hard feelings-but there’s also no room for hesitation.
Penn State football is entering a new chapter. And Matt Campbell is already writing the first pages-with his players right there beside him.