With Penn State’s hiring of head coach Matt Campbell now official, one of his first responsibilities will be assembling a coaching staff and roster heading into 2026.
The final product will likely be a Frankenstein group of returning Nittany Lions, Cyclones and new transfers and recruits. The good news for Campbell is the transfer portal era has sped up the timeline for rebuilds, allowing a one-year turnaround if executed properly.
While many players on Iowa State’s roster started with recruiting rankings unlikely to earn them interest from Penn State, several have performed well and would be welcome additions to a Penn State squad likely losing a majority of its starters this offseason to the NFL, graduation and the portal.
Here’s a list of Cyclone players and recruits who could follow Campbell to Penn State.
Quarterback Rocco Becht: The Iowa State quarterback has spent four seasons in Ames, including three as a starter, and developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. As a result of redshirting his first season, he has one more year of eligibility, should he choose to use it.
The Nittany Lions may bring back Ethan Grunkemeyer next season as a redshirt sophomore, and he’s played well through six starts, but Campbell may want to bring in his own guy, one with plenty of experience as a power conference starter.
Becht has completed 204 of 337 passes (60.5%) this season for 2,565 yards and 16 touchdowns to seven interceptions. It’s a slight step back, as he surpassed 3,000 passing yards the two prior seasons with 48 total touchdown passes.
Running back Carson Hansen: With both Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton in their final season, Penn State will need answers at running back. In-house options include Corey Smith, Quinton Martin Jr. and Cam Wallace, though they’ve combined for just 64 carries as Nittany Lions.
If Campbell wants a proven commodity, he may recruit junior Carson Hansen — assuming he doesn’t try his hand at the NFL draft. He toted the rock 188 times for 952 yards (5.1 per carry) and six touchdowns, adding 19 receptions for 134 yards, this season.
Running back Abu Sama III: Sama split touches with Hansen this season, taking 141 carries for 732 yards (5.2 average) with five rushing touchdowns. He’s a junior, and while his numbers are lower than Hansen’s, he’s had much more experience than any running back returning for Penn State in 2026.
Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen: The Nittany Lions are set to lose Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross and Liam Clifford to graduation this offseason. Eskilden was the Cyclones’ leading receiver this season with 30 receptions for 526 yards and five touchdowns. While the numbers aren’t eye-popping, Eskilden is just a true sophomore and would bring multiple years of eligibility to State College.
Wide receiver Jeffrey Roberts: Ranked as Iowa State’s only four-star signee in the 2026 class, Roberts could provide help at a position of need. However, he’s a native of Ames and may want to stay close to home.
Tight end Benjamin Brahmer: Brahmer had an impressive freshman campaign in 2023 with 37 receptions for 446 yards, earning freshman All-American status from multiple outlets. An injury derailed his sophomore season, but he’s bounced back with 28 receptions for 352 yards as a junior, more than any Penn State wide receiver this season.
The Nittany Lions do have young options in the room, with Andrew Rappleyea and Luke Reynolds likely returning, but Brahmer has two-and-a-half productive seasons under his belt.
Guard Brendan Black: Black has started at least seven games in all three seasons since arriving at Iowa State, boasting a wealth of playing time. He’s a particularly strong run blocker, though he’s allowed 11 pressures and four sacks this season.
With Nolan Rucci exhausting his eligibility and Anthony Donkoh potentially kicking back out to right tackle next season, Black could fill a hole at right guard.
Safety Marcus Neal Jr.: Just a true sophomore, Neal took over a starting role this season and was tied for the team lead with 77 tackles, plus two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He’s a proven playmaker with multiple years of eligibility and could help in a room losing veteran Zakee Wheatley, who was also a ball hawk.
Cornerback Jontez Williams: Williams has been at Iowa State for four seasons but redshirted his first year and still has eligibility, should he want another season to improve his draft stock.
The former second-team All-Big 12 selection was off to a hot start through five games in 2025, before a torn ACL sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Prior to that, he totaled 15 tackles and an interception, allowing just eight completions on 15 targets.
Cornerback Quentin Taylor: Taylor became the first Iowa State player to announce his intention to enter the transfer portal, doing so just minutes after Campbell’s deal was finalized. He’s coming off a redshirt freshman season in which he totaled 27 tackles and led the team with five pass breakups.
Linebacker Kooper Ebel: Ebel has played three seasons and started two, giving him plenty of experience against power conference competition. With depth at linebacker a question for the Nittany Lions, he can provide that.
Ebel’s 77 tackles were tied for most among Cyclones this season, and he added a sack and three pass breakups. He was also their No. 3 tackler last season with 69, and had a pair of sacks.
