Big Ten Media Days Preview: Matt Campbell and Penn State Take Center Stage
Penn State officially kicks off a new era under head coach Matt Campbell this week at Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago. Campbell, who spent a decade at Iowa State in the Big 12, makes his first appearance at the conference's annual preseason event. The two-day gathering begins Tuesday, July 28, and offers Iowa football fans a first look at the competition their Hawkeyes will face this fall.
When and Where to Watch Big Ten Media Days
The event starts at 11:45 a.m. ET Tuesday when Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti delivers his state-of-the-conference address. Campbell and three Nittany Lions players will be available to the media during the first session. Big Ten Network will carry the proceedings live, including Campbell's podium appearance scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Campbell will be joined by linebacker Tony Rojas, quarterback Rocco Becht, and offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh. All three are making their first appearances at Big Ten Media Days, though Becht represented Iowa State at the Big 12 event last year. The group will also participate in Big Ten Network's coverage until 6 p.m. ET.
Key Storylines for Penn State and the Big Ten
Campbell's transition from Iowa State to Penn State has been one of the most talked-about moves in college football. He brought 24 former Cyclones with him through the transfer portal, part of a massive 40-player overhaul. For Iowa fans, this means a familiar face now leads a key conference rival.
Health is a major question for the Nittany Lions. Becht continues rehab from offseason shoulder surgery, though he practiced more than expected during spring drills. Rojas is returning from a torn ACL last October and says he intends to be better than before. Donkoh missed spring drills for recovery and is moving back to his natural position at right tackle after playing guard last season.
Campbell will face questions about his expectations for the season, the depth chart on a revamped defense, and the position battles expected to dominate training camp.
Big Ten Media Days Full Schedule
Following Petitti's remarks, six Big Ten coaches take the podium Tuesday. Campbell is the only first-year Big Ten coach appearing that day. The lineup includes Illinois' Bret Bielema at 12:30 p.m. ET, Rutgers' Greg Schiano at 11:45, Campbell at noon, Wisconsin's Luke Fickell at 12:15, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz at 12:30, and USC's Lincoln Riley at 12:45.
Penn State players will be available at individual podiums from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. ET, and Campbell will meet with the media again from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. ET.
The event continues Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, with additional coaches and players from across the conference.
What This Means for Iowa Football
For Iowa fans, Big Ten Media Days provide an early look at the competition. Kirk Ferentz, the longest-tenured coach in the conference, will represent the Hawkeyes on Tuesday. His steady leadership contrasts with the upheaval at programs like Penn State, which is rebuilding under Campbell.
The Hawkeyes face a challenging schedule this season, and the changes at Penn State could create opportunities. Iowa's defense, consistently among the best in the Big Ten, will need to account for Campbell's offensive schemes, which he honed over a decade in the Big 12.
Stay tuned to Just The News Iowa for complete coverage of Big Ten Media Days and the Hawkeyes' path to the conference championship.