Penn State Brings in Noah Pauley to Reignite Wide Receiver Room Under Matt Campbell
After a string of underwhelming performances from the wide receiver group during the final years of James Franklin’s tenure - including a pair of bowl games where the position was practically invisible - Penn State is turning the page. And the man tasked with rewriting the script is Noah Pauley.
Matt Campbell, fresh off his move from Iowa State, is bringing Pauley with him to State College to coach the Nittany Lions' receivers. It’s a hire that’s been in the works for days, and now it’s official: Pauley is set to take over a position group that’s been in desperate need of a spark.
And if his résumé is any indication, Pauley might be just the guy to deliver it.
A Proven Developer of Talent
Pauley spent the last three seasons coaching wide receivers at Iowa State, and for the past two, he doubled as the Cyclones’ pass game coordinator. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of exceptional - so much so that he was named the FootballScoop.com National Wide Receivers Coach of the Year.
That recognition didn’t come out of nowhere. Pauley helped mold Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins into one of the most dynamic receiver duos in college football.
Both topped 1,000 yards in the same season - a first in Iowa State history. Higgins hauled in 87 catches for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns, while Noel posted 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight scores.
That kind of production doesn’t just happen; it’s built through development, trust, and a system that puts players in position to shine.
Their success translated to the next level, too. Higgins was taken 34th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, and Noel followed in the third round at No. 79, also to Houston. Not bad for a pair of former under-the-radar recruits - Higgins a two-star prospect who started at Eastern Kentucky, Noel a three-star signee in 2021.
Noel wrapped up his career with a reception in 46 straight games, totaling 245 catches, 2,855 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Higgins, in just two seasons with the Cyclones, posted 140 receptions for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 15.5 yards per catch.
Both earned All-America and All-Big 12 honors in 2024, a testament to the work Pauley did in developing their games and maximizing their potential.
From Fargo to the NFL: A Climb Built on Results
Before his success in Ames, Pauley made a name for himself at North Dakota State - a perennial powerhouse in the FCS ranks. During his four seasons coaching receivers there, the Bison won two national championships, and Pauley helped mold another future NFL talent: Christian Watson.
Watson, now with the Green Bay Packers, was a three-time all-conference selection and an FCS All-American under Pauley’s guidance. He led NDSU in receiving three straight years and eventually became a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft - also taken at No. 34 overall.
Pauley’s track record of developing NFL-caliber talent is no fluke. He’s done it at multiple levels, from FCS to Power Five, and his ability to elevate under-recruited players into high-level performers is exactly what Penn State needs at this juncture.
A Coaching Journey Rooted in Experience
A native of Duluth, Minn., Pauley’s coaching journey began at his alma mater, Minnesota-Duluth - where he was a four-year starter and part of a Division II national championship team. He transitioned into coaching immediately after his playing days, working his way up from student assistant to offensive coordinator over the course of several years.
During his time at Duluth, Pauley coached six all-conference wideouts and helped lay the foundation for what’s become a well-rounded offensive mind. He even spent time with the Green Bay Packers in 2022 as part of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, working directly with the team's receivers.
He’s not just a technician - he’s a builder. And that’s exactly what Penn State’s wide receiver room needs right now.
Familiar Faces Join the New Era in Happy Valley
Pauley isn’t the only familiar face making the move from Ames to State College. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, and secondary coach Deon Broomfield are also following Campbell to Penn State. Off the field, the staff is getting a major overhaul as well, with general manager Derek Hoodjer, director of player personnel Trent Slattenow, chief of staff Skip Brabenec, and strength and conditioning head Reid Kagy among those joining the program.
Also coming aboard is Jack Griffith, formerly Cincinnati’s director of player personnel, who will serve as assistant general manager. Campbell is retaining associate head coach Terry Smith, providing some continuity amid the turnover.
One More Game, Then the Rebuild Begins
Penn State still has one game left on the 2025 calendar - a Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Clemson on December 27 in New York. Kickoff is set for noon ET on ABC.
After that, the real work begins.
The wide receiver room has been a sore spot in recent years, but with Pauley stepping in, there’s legitimate reason for optimism. His track record speaks for itself. And if he can bring even a fraction of the success he had at Iowa State and North Dakota State to Happy Valley, Penn State’s offense could be in for a serious upgrade.