James Franklin laid the foundation for Penn State, but when the team stumbled to a 6-6 finish, questions arose. Enter Matt Campbell, who’s redefining what accountability means in Happy Valley. Linebacker Tony Rojas recently highlighted this shift with a statement that cuts deep.
Campbell has introduced "accountability teams" to the squad. These groups compete in various aspects, from practice performance to class attendance.
The team with the lowest score each week? They’re up at 5 a.m. on Wednesdays to clean the entire facility.
Rojas didn’t hold back, saying, “He just holds a lot of us accountable, especially leaders. That’s something we lacked a couple of years ago.”
This new system is about more than just chores. Campbell is keeping a close eye on academics, something Rojas noted was lacking under Franklin. He praised Campbell as someone who “doesn’t just talk, he acts,” a stark contrast to the previous regime that couldn’t prevent a season collapse.
Campbell’s leadership strategy involves putting about 20 players in charge of mentoring younger teammates. Points are earned for positive contributions, while penalties are given for missed classes or poor effort. This competitive atmosphere drives behavior and keeps consequences clear.
Rojas mentioned that Campbell is more engaged than Franklin was. “He talks more than I’d say Coach Franklin did, in a good way,” Rojas explained.
After a promising start last season, Penn State faltered post-Oregon, leading to Franklin’s departure. Terry Smith managed to secure bowl eligibility with three consecutive wins, but Campbell has now stepped in to instill a new identity through rigorous standards and early mornings.
Rojas, recovering from a leg injury, has seen firsthand how Campbell demands more from the veterans than Franklin ever did.