Matt Campbell’s Top 11 Iowa State Players, Recruits for Penn State

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Matt Campbell’s Top 11 Iowa State Players, Recruits for Penn State

Penn State has appointed Iowa State’s Matt Campbell as its new head coach, following the dismissal of James Franklin. This transition comes at a crucial time as the Nittany Lions prepare for the upcoming season, having signed only two recruits in the early 2026 recruiting window. The 2025 roster was heavily composed of seniors, with 34 players acknowledged on Senior Day. Many of these athletes have exhausted their eligibility, and numerous underclassmen are expected to enter the transfer portal, necessitating immediate action from Campbell.

Matt Campbell’s Top 11 Iowa State Players and Recruits for Penn State

With the transfer portal opening on January 2, Campbell must act swiftly to fill the roster. This may involve recruiting former Iowa State players or focusing on retaining young talent from Penn State’s 2025 squad. Here’s an analysis of key players from Iowa State who could enhance Penn State’s roster next season.

Key Iowa State Players

Rocco Becht (Quarterback): The redshirt junior stands at 6’1” and weighs 210 pounds. He has been a significant player for Iowa State, earning accolades such as second-team All-America and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023. In 2025, Becht threw for an average of 215.33 yards per game, with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Carson Hanson (Running Back): During the 2025 season, Hanson rushed for 950 yards and secured six touchdowns, boasting an average of 5.1 yards per carry. He was recognized as an All-Big 12 second-team player.
Abu Sama III (Running Back): In the same season, Sama contributed 732 yards and five touchdowns with a similar average of 5.2 yards per carry. His productive performances have been critical since joining the team in 2023.
Benjamin Brahmer (Tight End): Standing 6’7” and weighing 255 pounds, Brahmer has been a pivotal player, posting 37 receptions for 446 yards and leading the team with six touchdowns in 2025.
Marcus Neal Jr. (Defensive Back): Neal was instrumental to Florida’s defense, recording 77 tackles and two interceptions. His skills were acknowledged with a third-team All-Big 12 selection.
Jontez Williams (Defensive Back): Although not heavily statted, Williams has been a consistent presence on the field. He allowed only eight receptions from 15 targets throughout the season.
Kooper Ebel (Linebacker): Ebel tied for the team lead in tackles, demonstrating solid defensive capabilities with 77 tackles and three pass breakups in 2025.
Chase Sowell (Wide Receiver): With experience across multiple schools, Sowell finished the 2025 season with 500 yards and two touchdowns, making him a valuable asset at wide receiver.
Brett Eskildsen (Wide Receiver): As a rising star for Iowa State, Eskildsen led the team in receptions with 30 catches for 526 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

Future Prospects

Jeffrey Roberts (Wide Receiver, 2026 recruit): A highly rated recruit hailing from Ames, Iowa, Roberts recorded impressive statistics in high school, with 117 receptions for 2,519 yards.
Elijah Reeder (Defensive End, 2026 recruit): This New Jersey standout registered 50 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and eight sacks during his senior year. Securing a top-500 recruit like Reeder would be a key victory for Campbell.

As Matt Campbell embarks on this new journey with Penn State, leveraging his connections to Iowa State’s talented roster will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Nittany Lions football program.