Discover why 23 former Cyclones, led by Rocco Becht, followed new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell. Players praise his genuine leadership and connection, forging a new Nittany Lions dynasty.
After former Penn State head coach James Franklin raided its recruiting class for 2026, Matt Campbell had a lot of work to do in getting players into the program for the upcoming season.
Though the job was open in October, the Nittany Lions didn't hire Campbell until December 5.
Many incoming freshmen decided to go to Virginia Tech in 2026, with Franklin and other staffers that recruited them.
Campbell was too far behind to catch up on recruiting high school seniors, but he hit the transfer portal hard and brought 23 players with him from Iowa State, including quarterback Rocco Becht.
How those former Big 12 players transition into the Big Ten is a key storyline for PSU this year.
With that being said, the 23 players that transferred to Penn State did so for a reason. They believe in the product Campbell is selling.
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Trevor Buhr told Greg Finberg of The Philadelphia Inquirer that Campbell is one of the best leaders he's ever been around.
“Campbell is a great people person. He was the main reason I went to Iowa State,” Buhr said. “He’s genuine. When he says something, he does it. He is one of the best leaders I’ve ever met.
"He’s honest, and he’s true to himself. There’s no what-ifs. You’re getting what you’re getting from him, and it’s been consistent [since] the first time I talked to him.”
Some college head coaches hide from their players during the week, dealing with fundraising and other activities, leaving the business of dealing with players to the assistant coaches.
Senior defensive back Jamison Patton noted that Campbell stays in touch with his players, having an "open-door policy" with his people.
“Coach Campbell is a big relationships guy,” Patton said. “It’s an open-door policy. All the guys go over (to his house), and we know we’re going to hoop, hang out, get some food, just be around each other.
"The more we’re around each other, the more our relationship grows as a team, and especially with the coaches.”
Campbell needs to get the basketball court ready at his new residence near State College.
It'll be interesting to see how those former Iowa State players do in a new environment this season. It'll be crucial for Campbell to have early success with the Nittany Lions so he can improve his high school recruiting efforts for the 2027 class.
There aren't many of his former players left at Iowa State to pull from in the transfer portal next year.