If it wasn’t obvious before, it is now: Penn State needs a new football coach — and fast. With one day into the early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class, the Nittany Lions are still without a leader, and it’s showing.
Penn State is circling the bottom of the recruiting rankings barrel, sitting at 153rd with just two commits, according to 247Sports. Again, it’s hard to argue considering the situation currently unfolding in State College.
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft has appeared to swing and miss on every potential candidate that was on his radar, a process that reportedly began with Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt. But the list has continued to grow, with Kalani Sitake, Bob Chesney, Matt Rhule, Mike Elko and Jeff Brohm all either receiving lucrative extensions or taking other jobs.
The latest name on Penn State’s radar is Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, according to multiple reports. Conversations between the two sides have reportedly picked up over the last 24 hours.
Pat Kraft Could Salvage Coaching Search With Matt Campbell Hiring
As disastrous as this coaching search has looked for Kraft and Penn State, many believe landing Campbell, who is 177-107 overall, would be a home run if he signs on the dotted line. But that could also be a big if knowing Campbell.
“Penn State botched a firing/hiring like few ever have. And may end up with the best hire of the bunch in Matt Campbell. If they don’t screw it up again,” USA Today’s Matt Hayes posted.
CBS Sports’ Adam Breneman echoed that thought, saying, “Landing Matt Campbell would be an all-time comeback by Pat Kraft.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Campbell has been considered for a marquee job in either college football or the NFL. Over the last several years, the Iowa State coach has turned down offers from USC and even the New York Jets. That makes the timing of the Penn State opening all the more curious, considering the challenges and expectations tied to the position.
Campbell will have his work cut out for him if he takes the job.
Who Else Is On Penn State’s Radar?
At this point, who isn’t on Penn State’s radar? Nearly every reported target has passed, and the Nittany Lions have seemingly only helped other coaches secure raises. But according to The Athletic, Kraft is now weighing candidates with NFL backgrounds.
One is former Buffalo Bills head coach Brian Daboll, who has been linked to the job since he was fired weeks ago. Another is Ohio State defensive coordinator and former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia. Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is also in the mix, along with interim head coach Terry Smith.
Worth noting: The Athletic reported that Daboll has influential backing from the Pegula family — major Penn State donors and owners of the Buffalo Bills.
Whoever ultimately takes the job will have significant work ahead of them, from salvaging a recruiting class to restoring confidence in the fan base. And they’ll need to move quickly, with the transfer portal set to open on January 2, 2026.
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