Matt Campbell and Co. are using Penn State’s past success to create a new culture

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State faced a delayed start to the year’s first transfer window.

While most football programs were plotting next year’s rosters, coach Matt Campbell, who was named the Nittany Lions’ head coach on Dec. 5 after 10 seasons at the helm for Iowa State, was busy hiring his staff.

First he retained interim head coach Terry Smith. Then he brought several of his Iowa State assistants with him to Happy Valley. And a few weeks later, his staff was finalized. But he was behind, playing catch-up in building next season’s roster.

Campbell didn’t care, though. And neither did his staff. Because they weren’t interested in a race for the best talent or for the recruits with the most stars.

They were focused on finding the right players for their program. They recruited individuals who embody the grit and passion that have molded Penn State football into a perennial contender. And in their eyes, they accomplished that.

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“We went with a mentality of not wavering from who we want this football team to be — value systems of young men that love the sport of football, young men that love Penn State, and most importantly, young men who also understand the value of an education from this institution,” Campbell said. “Those core values were really critical for us to build this football team.”

Penn State fired coach James Franklin in October, which resulted in 46 players transferring this winter. But transfer season wasn’t all bad for the Nittany Lions, who added 40 players via the portal — 24 of whom came from Iowa State.

Penn State’s transfer class, which ranks No. 6 in ESPN’s 2026 transfer portal rankings, is headlined by Rocco Becht, 22. A three-year starter with a 24-12 record at Iowa State, Becht completed 60.6% of his passes for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns.

In 2024, Becht was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection after quarterbacking the Cyclones to their winningest season in program history.

Campbell said he believes the quarterback and head coach must be “tied at the hip.” And he thinks his relationship with Becht, who last season played through a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, exemplifies the connectivity essential to creating a successful program.

“I believe Penn State football is [about] integrity, character, class, excellence, and grit. [Becht] embodies every one of those traits,” Campbell said. “He’s as tough and as competitive as any football player I’ve been around … I’m really excited for him to continue to lead and grow within our football program.”

Taylor Mouser, Penn State’s offensive coordinator who spent the last two seasons in the same role at Iowa State, brings continued camaraderie with his experienced quarterback. But he wants more from the position.

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His philosophy with his offensive players resembles Campbell’s roster-building philosophy. He wants a unified offense filled with “unselfish guys” who are connected to their teammates, coaches, and community.

“I want guys who can provide connection for their teammates. I want guys who can provide energy to the people on the field,” Mouser said. “Your defense is going to play better when they believe in the quarterback. So if you’re going to be a quarterback for us [at Penn State], you’d better have relationships with everybody on the team.”

Every coach wants to establish a winning culture — one built on hard work, accountability, and trust. But Campbell understands that building a culture isn’t easy, and it takes years to build trust.

“Culture is not words. It’s how you live, it’s how you act, it’s how you carry yourself,” Campbell said. “... It’s all about the people. It’s about aligning the team and the people together. That’s one of the things that I at least know I can look myself in the mirror and [say], ‘We brought the right leaders of young men into our football program.’”

One of those culture builders is Ryan Clanton, Penn State’s offensive line coach who spent the last three seasons in the same role at Iowa State. The former Oregon offensive lineman said Campbell’s success stems from his character, which resembles a “normal dude.”

Clanton called Campbell the easiest coach to work for in college football. It’s why, when Campbell asked Clanton to follow him to Happy Valley, the line coach’s answer was simple: “What time does the plane leave?”

“[Campbell] is the best head coach in the nation. Wherever he went, I was going to go at any level,” Clanton said. “What people don’t see is that he’s very caring. He’ll talk to the janitor for all hours of the night. He can connect with anybody. And he likes to have fun … It’s a blessing to be with him.”