Iowa State Exodus: Campbell's Penn State Loaded With Cyclones
Former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell took over Penn State's football program after James Franklin was fired following a disastrous 2025 midseason collapse, and he brought a massive contingent of Cyclone players with him to Happy Valley. When Northwestern opens its new Ryan Field on Oct. 2 against the Nittany Lions, Iowa fans will see plenty of familiar faces wearing the blue and white.
Why Did James Franklin Get Fired at Penn State?
The 2025 season started with national championship aspirations for Penn State. The Nittany Lions were ranked preseason No. 2 and jumped out to a 3-0 start. Then everything fell apart. A double-overtime loss to Oregon was just the beginning. UCLA delivered a crushing defeat, and then quarterback Drew Allar went down for the season in an upset loss to Northwestern. That loss triggered a six-game losing streak that cost Franklin his job.
What made the collapse so frustrating for Penn State fans was how close the team was to turning things around. Outside of a 24-point blowout against Ohio State, the Nittany Lions' largest margin of defeat was just six points. In the losses to UCLA, Northwestern, Iowa and Indiana, Penn State lost by a combined 10 points. The team did rally to win its final three regular season games and a bowl game, finishing 7-6, but the damage was done. Franklin was out, and Campbell was in.
How Many Iowa State Players Followed Matt Campbell to Penn State?
The short answer is a lot. Campbell didn't just bring his coaching philosophy to State College. He brought his roster. The most notable transfer is quarterback Rocco Becht, who is recovering from December surgery on a partially torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. If Becht returns to his 2024 form, when he threw for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns, the Nittany Lions' offense could be dangerous.
Becht will have familiar targets. Wide receivers Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell, Iowa State's two leading receivers last season, made the trip east. Eskildsen caught 30 passes for 526 yards and five touchdowns, while Sowell hauled in 32 catches for 500 yards and two scores.
The tight end room might be Penn State's strongest position group, and it is loaded with Cyclone connections. Benjamin Brahmer was Becht's most reliable target last season, leading Iowa State with 37 catches for 446 yards and six touchdowns. Gabe Burkle added 26 receptions for 303 yards and a score. They join returning Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea, who caught touchdown passes in each of the last three games of 2025.
What Does Penn State's Running Game Look Like?
With both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen off to the NFL, Campbell had to rebuild the backfield. He found his lead back in Ames. Carson Hansen, an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2025, transferred to Penn State after accounting for 1,086 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns. He is joined by Ohio State transfer James Peoples, who averaged 5.6 yards per carry with the Buckeyes, and returning Nittany Lion Quinton Martin Jr., who rushed for 103 yards on 20 carries in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson.
Both Hansen and Peoples are skilled pass catchers out of the backfield, which fits Campbell's offensive philosophy perfectly. This three-headed backfield could be one of the most talented groups in the Big Ten.
How Did Campbell Rebuild the Penn State Defense?
The defensive makeover is just as dramatic. Iowa State transfers are scattered across the depth chart on this side of the ball too. Caleb Bacon, a former Cyclone walk-on who earned his way to a starting role, brings 68 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble from his 2025 campaign. He joins returning Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas, whose 2025 injury coincided with the team's collapse. If Rojas stays healthy, he has All-American potential.
In the secondary, Campbell brought two of his most trusted defenders. Marcus Neal Jr. had 77 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions last season. Jeremiah Cooper was having a strong 2025 before an injury cut it short. Cooper's versatility is a major asset, as he can play both safety and cornerback.
Up front, the defensive line features Iowa State transfers Ikenna Ezeogu at edge and Alijah Carnell at defensive tackle. The line also added UCLA transfers Keanu Williams and Siale Taupaki, who followed their defensive line coach to Penn State. Williams had a career-best 39 tackles in 2025, while Taupaki brings eight seasons of college football experience.
Can Matt Campbell Succeed Where James Franklin Failed?
On paper, the ingredients are there. Penn State returns 52% of its overall production and ranks 17th in SP+ heading into 2026. The offense checks in at 14th, the defense at 23rd, and the special teams unit ranks an impressive 6th nationally.
But the real advantage Campbell has is familiarity. By bringing so many Iowa State players with him, he has a core group that already understands his system, his expectations and his culture. Becht knows the offense. Brahmer knows the blocking schemes. Bacon knows the defensive calls. That institutional knowledge could accelerate Penn State's rebuild dramatically.
The Oct. 2 matchup at the new Ryan Field will be the first real test. Northwestern upset Penn State last season and helped trigger the coaching change. The Nittany Lions will be hungry for revenge, and Iowa fans will be watching to see if their former coach can deliver in his new home.
FAQ
Who is Penn State's starting quarterback in 2026?
Former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is expected to start for Penn State in 2026. He is recovering from shoulder surgery in December 2025 but is progressing well and should be ready for the season.
Why was James Franklin fired at Penn State?
Franklin was fired after a six-game losing streak during the 2025 season derailed a campaign that started with a preseason No. 2 ranking. Despite finishing 7-6 with a bowl win, the midseason collapse was enough for Penn State to make a coaching change.
How many Iowa State players transferred to Penn State?
At least 10 Iowa State players followed Matt Campbell to Penn State, including quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle, wide receivers Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell, offensive lineman Trevor Buhr, defensive linemen Ikenna Ezeogu and Alijah Carnell, linebackers Caleb Bacon and Cael Brezina, and defensive backs Marcus Neal Jr. and Jeremiah Cooper.