Matt Campbell: Penn State in Win-Now Mode Entering 2026

With fall camp well underway, Penn State held its annual local media day Friday inside Holuba Hall, beginning with a press conference from head coach Matt Campbell.

The Lions’ leader discussed his win-now approach to the season, expected tight end usage and several players who’ve impressed early.

Here’s what he had to say.

Wanting to Win

The first question Campell fielded was about balancing building a foundation with the pressure to win immediately in Happy Valley.

Producing a mediocre inaugural season, say 8-4, would be disappointing to most — but it wouldn’t result in an uproar from the fanbase or calls for Campbell’s dismissal. New head coaches are generally granted a level of leniency as they work to install a new culture, which slowly fades over time.

But for Campbell, the thought of easing into his first campaign leading the Nittany Lions with anything other than winning as a priority was quickly dismissed. Campbell emphasized his desire to compete at the highest level immediately.

“I think it’s a unique challenge,” he said. “But I think as a competitor, I don’t know if I’ve ever not thought about doing everything in my power to win weekly, yearly, gamely, seasonally. I think that the biggest thing is as you’re building the foundation of the culture.”

Campbell spoke knowingly about the competitive nature of the sport, how each game can only have one winner and one loser, and that developing a strong foundation to fall back on will be paramount this fall.

“Again, my whole belief process is again it goes back to the value of, how you do anything is how you do everything,” he said. “It is all leading to being your best on those 12 guaranteed Saturdays, and I think everything that the program is about is yes, we’re trying to win on Saturdays.”

Tight End Takeover

It’s no secret offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser likes his tight ends — he served as Iowa State’s tight ends coach prior to becoming an OC and still holds that title — frequently employing 12 and 13 personnel looks with the Cyclones.

At Penn State, that will be the case once more, with transfers Ben Brahmer and Gabe Burkle pairing up with returner Andrew Rappleyea. When asked if the Nittany Lions will base out of 12 personnel this fall, Campbell said he’d be “disappointed” if they don’t.

“You could challenge it’s 13 personnel based on the day,” he said. “I think one of the things we’re excited about, obviously keeping Rap home, it’s been great for us to see Rap fully healthy … it’s been awesome watching him the first two days. He’s pushy. He’s a dynamic mover. Excited about where he’s got the ability to continue to grow in his offense. “

Campbell is more familiar with Brahmer and Burkle, having spent multiple seasons with them in Ames, describing Brahmer as “super talented” and Burkle as “on track” in his recovery despite not participating in fall camp thus far. Both were recently named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end.

Heading down the depth chart, Campbell said Cooper Alexander had an “incredible spring and really great summer” and could be a matchup problem due to his size and physicality. He described State College native Finn Furmanek as a “chess piece.”

More Malachi Momentum

Campbell has spoken highly of offensive tackle Malachi Goodman multiple times since arriving at Penn State, praising the former five-star prospect for his physical traits. Based on reps through the early portion of fall camp, Goodman appears poised to push for a starting role at left tackle.

But in order to lock up Rocco Becht’s blindside this season, he’ll have to show more consistency before Marshall comes to town Week 1. Anthony Donkoh has gotten practice reps at that spot, and swing tackles Owen Aliciene and Garrett Sexton are also in the mix to start, giving Goodman competition.

“Impressive human being, man,” Campbell said. “One of the best humans that I have met since we’ve been here … I think we are all getting caught up in the flash and the sizzle, but can you do it every day, man? Can you show up every day? Can you be the guy that consistently shows up and separates yourself from the pack?”