What's Next for Iowa State After Matt Campbell Leaves for PSU?

Back in October, when Penn State football fired their head coach James Franklin, I, like many, speculated that Matt Campbell could leave Iowa State for the newly vacant job with a marquee school. Last Friday, the news broke: that's exactly what happened.

After 10 seasons at the helm of the Cyclones football team, Matt Campbell has left Ames, IA for another job. He leaves Iowa State as the winningest football coach in the team's history, with an overall regular season record of 72-55. Campbell took that program to a whole new level of respectability. Last season, he led the Cyclones to their first double-digit winning season in school history, and has been named Big 12 Coach of the Year three times.

An Emotional Farewell for Iowa State:

This weekend, Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard was emotional when talking about Campbell's departure:

He's had an amazing run as our football coach and didn't get to do it in front of his family and friends. He had other times he could have left and he chose not to. Matt Campbell owes Iowa State nothing because he did more than we could have ever, ever dreamed he would do as our head coach. So, a page turns, but none of us are here forever. Life goes on, and that's how I just viewed it - Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard, per USA Today

Campbell leaving Iowa State has not drawn the ire from Iowa State fans (just look at the Lane Kiffin mess to see a stark contrast) and it's easy to see why. Campbell gave Iowa State 10 memorable season. At one point in 2020, the team was ranked in the top 10 for the first time in their 100+ year history. Campbell also led the Cyclones to their first 11-win season in program history in 2024.

Those accomplishments are as wonderful as anything for a team that's perpetually second banana to the Iowa Hawkeyes in popularity and exposure. Make no mistake about it. For the last few years, the Cyclones have been more formidable and intimidating than the Hawkeyes.

Not to mention, Campbell turned down NFL opportunities to stay with the Cyclones. That kind of loyalty is beyond rare.

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As for Matt Campbell, time will tell how he performs at Penn State. Franklin, the coach he's replacing, had a reputation for failing to win "big games" against ranked opponents. He had a record of 4-21 against teams ranked within the AP Top 10. The expectations for Campbell will be high and the grace period will be minimal. Regardless, he has earned this opportunity.

Read more about Matt Campbell leaving Iowa State to become the head coach of Penn State football on USA Today's website.