Penn State Tabs Taylor Mouser as New Offensive Coordinator, Signaling a Fresh Chapter Under Matt Campbell
The winds of change are blowing through Happy Valley, and they’re bringing with them a new offensive identity. With Matt Campbell now at the helm, Penn State is turning the page-and that includes a new play-caller. Taylor Mouser, Campbell’s offensive coordinator at Iowa State, is officially joining the Nittany Lions’ staff, marking the end of Andy Kotelnicki’s short tenure and the beginning of a new offensive era.
At just 34 years old, Mouser is one of the youngest offensive coordinators in college football. But don’t let the age fool you-this is a coach who’s been in the trenches, developed talent, and overseen a system that’s evolved in real time. 2026 will be only his third year as a coordinator, but he’s already carved out a name for himself as a rising mind in the game.
A Coaching Journey Tied to Campbell
Mouser’s coaching career has been closely linked with Campbell from the start. He broke in as a graduate assistant at Toledo in 2015, then followed Campbell to Iowa State in 2016. Since then, he’s climbed the ladder in Ames, moving from graduate assistant to tight ends coach in 2021, and eventually to offensive coordinator in 2024-all while continuing to coach the tight ends room.
That tight ends room, by the way, has been one of the most productive in the country under Mouser’s guidance. He helped develop Charlie Kolar into a three-time All-American-the only one in Iowa State history. Mouser’s work earned him the 2025 FootballScoop Tight Ends Coach of the Year award, a recognition that speaks to both his technical skill and his ability to develop players.
He’s also worn a few other hats during his time with the Cyclones, including assistant director of scouting and senior quality control. That kind of versatility and behind-the-scenes experience often translates into a broader understanding of offensive structure and game-planning-something Penn State fans should take note of.
The Numbers Behind the Offense
Let’s talk production. In 2024, Mouser’s first season calling plays, Iowa State averaged 31.1 points per game-the fifth-highest mark in program history. The Cyclones ranked ninth in the Big 12 in total offense, putting up 416.2 yards per game, including 255.6 through the air.
Fast forward to 2025, and while the scoring dipped slightly to 27.4 points per game, the offense still churned out 396.1 yards per contest. That was good enough to rank 56th nationally in total offense-27 spots ahead of Penn State. The passing game contributed 222 yards per game, showing a consistent ability to move the ball vertically.
And while Mouser wasn’t calling plays in 2023, he played a key role on a Cyclones offense that led the nation in explosive plays. Iowa State scored 11 touchdowns of 50-plus yards that season and converted touchdowns on 93.5% of its red zone trips-elite numbers that speak to both creativity and execution.
A Familiar Foundation with New Layers
Philosophically, Mouser’s scheme won’t be a jarring shift for Penn State fans. His offenses have been built around a run-first mentality, with a heavy dose of two-tight end sets-something Nittany Lion faithful have grown used to in recent years. But where Mouser may bring a new wrinkle is in the vertical passing game.
That’s an area where Penn State struggled in the early part of the 2025 season. Mouser’s Iowa State offense, by contrast, wasn’t shy about stretching the field.
Quarterback Rocco Becht attempted 102 deep passes over the past two seasons. For context, Penn State quarterbacks only attempted 76 in that same span.
That aggressiveness could be exactly what the Lions need to unlock the next level of their passing attack.
And let’s not overlook the ground game. Iowa State closed out the 2025 regular season with seven straight games of 150-plus rushing yards. That kind of consistency on the ground-especially late in the year-shows a commitment to physicality and execution, two traits that will always be welcome in the Big Ten.
What It Means for Penn State
Bringing in Mouser is more than just a staff reshuffle-it’s a signal that Campbell is sticking with a system he trusts, one that’s shown it can adapt and produce. Mouser’s familiarity with Campbell’s philosophy, combined with his track record of player development and offensive balance, makes him a natural fit to lead the Nittany Lions’ offense into 2026.
There’s a foundation already in place at Penn State. The run game is solid, the tight end talent is there, and the defense continues to be a strength.
What’s been missing is a passing game that can consistently threaten defenses downfield. Mouser’s arrival could be the missing piece in that puzzle.
The Big Ten is evolving, and with new teams and new challenges on the horizon, Penn State is making a calculated move to stay ahead of the curve. With Taylor Mouser now calling the shots, the offense in Happy Valley is poised to take on a new identity-one that blends physicality with vertical flair.