Matt Campbell didn’t just dip into the Transfer Portal this offseason - he dove in headfirst. And it’s paying off.
In his first few months as Penn State’s head coach, Campbell has completely reshaped the Nittany Lions’ roster, pulling in a top-10 transfer class that’s drawing national attention. According to ESPN, Penn State’s 2026 transfer haul ranks among the best in the country - and quarterback Rocco Becht headlines the group as the top individual pickup.
Campbell’s aggressive portal strategy was always going to be a key storyline heading into 2026. He inherited a roster in transition and wasted no time addressing its needs.
The result? Thirty-seven new players, many of them familiar faces from his Iowa State days, now wearing blue and white in Happy Valley.
On3’s Pete Nakos ranked Penn State’s transfer class eighth nationally - one of just two Big Ten programs to crack the top 10, alongside Indiana, which landed at No. 2 behind LSU. Other top-ranked programs included Texas Tech, Miami, Texas, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss. Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech rounded out the top 10.
But this isn’t just about quantity. Campbell brought in players who can contribute right away - and who already know what he expects.
Becht, the former Cyclones quarterback, is the centerpiece. He’s not just a name on a list - he’s a proven starter with Big Ten-level tools, and he’s walking into a familiar system under a coach who knows how to get the best out of him.
Still, this class isn’t riding solely on Becht’s shoulders. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer, safety Marcus Neal Jr., and cornerback Jeremiah Cooper were also singled out by Nakos as key additions. All three bring experience, versatility, and - perhaps most importantly - a deep understanding of Campbell’s system and culture.
That familiarity is a two-way street. On one side, you’ve got the former Iowa State players who know exactly how Campbell and his staff operate.
On the other, you’ve got Penn State returners who understand the expectations and tradition in Happy Valley. That blend of experience and institutional knowledge gives Campbell a unique edge as he prepares for his first season at the helm.
For a coach stepping into one of the Big Ten’s most high-profile jobs, Campbell’s early work in the portal sends a clear message: he’s not here to rebuild slowly - he’s here to compete now. And with a roster that’s suddenly deep, experienced, and aligned with his vision, the Nittany Lions might be better positioned than many expected heading into 2026.