Penn State has reportedly made some headway in its highly publicized head coaching search.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has reportedly “emerged as the focus” for Penn State as a candidate to fill its head coaching vacancy. According to ESPN’s Max Olson, a meeting has already been set amid “mutual interest” between the two sides.
Iowa State's Matt Campbell has emerged as the focus of Penn State’s head coaching search, sources tell me, @PeteThamel and @ESPNRittenberg.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 5, 2025
The sides are expected to meet and there's mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/GOP8GoiS43
Nittany Lions fans, however, have learned not to assume any signing is imminent until the ink is actually dry on a contract.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reportedly had “mutual interest” with Penn State in striking a deal last week. But the flirtation was short-lived, as Sitake soon agreed to a lucrative contract extension to stay at BYU.
The dysfunctional head coaching search has already made a significant impact on the team’s recruitment for next season. Without a coach in place, Penn State had one of the most humiliating Signing Day experiences in recent memory.
Campbell led Iowa State to an 8-4 record this season — the 8th finish above .500 across his 10 years as the Cyclones’ head coach.
