Improvement, connectivity will factor along with record
What constitutes success for Matt Campbell this season?
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The wins and losses and the final record will be important, of course, because, as Bill Parcells once said, "You are what your record says you are."
But Matt Campbell's debut will also be measured in other ways.
Of the three marquee games on the forgiving schedule -- USC in the White Out, at Michigan and at Washington -- it would be encouraging if the Nittany Lions can win at least one of them.
And it won't surprise me if they do.
That could put them on a 10-2 track, even if they lose the two big road games, where they'll be underdogs.
But as with any coaching transition, not to mention such a new roster, expect the unexpected.
Which means it's quite possible, even likely, that there will be another loss along the way -- perhaps at Northwestern or vs. Wisconsin or Minnesota. Rutgers and Maryland always have PSU circled as well.
A bad upset would be, well, bad.
Probably the best answer to today's question will be how much momentum the Lions carry into Year 2 of Campbell and how the fan base feels about him -- no matter the record.
For example, Penn State is thin at quarterback, not an enviable situation, and must keep Rocco Becht healthy. If that doesn't happen, expectations will change immediately.
It would behoove Campbell to get backup Alex Manske meaningful snaps, possibly as early as the season opener Saturday vs. Marshall.
If Manske can show he's a worthy heir apparent to Becht, that will boost hopes for 2027 and help offset a toe stubbing, should it happen.
How much game-to-game improvement the Lions show will measure success, too.
James Franklin's in-game management did nothing to inspire Penn State fans. In fact, the longer he presided, the worse it got.
That offset his recruiting ability, which was evident by the number of draft picks and NFL studs his program produced.
You would think it will be a while until Campbell's roster will be as stacked as Franklin's sometimes was.
So how will Campbell compensate? He was known at Iowa State -- where the fan base did not expect victory the same way it has, will and should here -- as a coach who maximized his talent.
A well-coached team with lesser talent will win Campbell points.
His connectivity with recruits and the fans will also factor in whether this season is successful.
So far, he has come off sincere, humble and likeable.
Though athletic director Pat Kraft is cut from a different cloth than his predecessors -- perhaps out of necessity in today's climate -- Campbell landed at a place that has long shown patience.
Presuming the record is at least respectable, the intangibles of improvement, in-game coaching, community connectivity and overall momentum toward 2027 will help measure the success level of 2026.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.