How is Matt Campbell expected to perform at Penn State?

Matt Campbell is expected to do well at Penn State, leveraging his proven ability to evaluate and develop talent, which was successful at Iowa State.

Will Alabama win the SEC in 2026 with their current recruiting and portal activity?

There are concerns about Alabama winning the SEC in 2026 due to limited transfer portal activity, with potential success being more likely in 2027.

What strategies can G5/G6 football schools use to compete for players?

G5/G6 schools can compete by out-evaluating, out-developing, and out-coaching opponents, and by becoming a top destination for Group of 6 talent.

Home / Sports / Campbell to Penn State: Can He Recruit Elite Talent?

Campbell to Penn State: Can He Recruit Elite Talent?

5 Feb

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Summary

Matt Campbell's success at Iowa State suggests he can develop talent.
Alabama's 2026 recruiting class is strong, but transfer portal is quiet.
G5 schools can compete by out-evaluating, developing, and coaching talent.

Campbell to Penn State: Can He Recruit Elite Talent?

Matt Campbell's transition to Penn State is seen as a significant hire, with expectations that his proven talent evaluation and development skills from Iowa State will translate to success with elite recruits. His track record of eight winning seasons, including an 11-win season in 2024, at a less prominent program suggests strong potential with Penn State's blue-blood status.

Alabama's 2026 recruiting class, ranked second nationally, features four five-star prospects. However, the team's quiet activity in the transfer portal raises concerns for their immediate SEC title aspirations in 2026, with potential championship hopes shifting to 2027 if young players gain experience.

For Group of 6 conferences, competing for players involves either scouring the portal for descending Power 4 talent or, more effectively, excelling in player evaluation, development, and coaching. This approach, exemplified by coaches like Curt Cignetti and Jon Sumrall, can establish a program as a desirable destination for talent, even if players eventually move to larger schools.