Matt Campbell

Penn State’s search for a new football coach has shifted to Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.

The internet blew up Thursday with multiple national media outlets reporting that Campbell, 46, has become the Nittany Lions’ top candidate.

Earlier in the week, Brigham Young coach Kalani Sitake decided to remain in Provo after reportedly making a handshake agreement with Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft on Sunday.

Louisville coach Jeff Brohm was then reportedly offered the position and signed a contract extension that was announced Wednesday.

Wilson F. Ball of @WillyFoosball posted Thursday night on Twitter “that sources close to Iowa State” confirmed Campbell met Kraft on Thursday.

Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi was present for the interview, Football Scoop reported.

Campbell is scheduled to meet with Iowa State officials this morning, Ball reported.

He is 72-55 through 10 seasons at Iowa State with two appearances in the Big 12 championship game. He has been the Big 12 coach of the year three times (2017, 2018 and 2020).

His best season was a school-record 11 wins in 2024. The Cyclones finished 8-4 this season and 4-3 in the Big 12.

Prior to Iowa State, Campbell spent four seasons at Toledo (2012-15), producing four winning seasons and a 35-15 record.

He began his career as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green then moved to Division III power Mount Union, his alma mater, before going back to Bowling Green for two seasons and joining the Toledo staff as an assistant and then offensive coordinator in 2009.

Campbell, a native of Massillon, Ohio, was a defensive lineman at Mount Union.

He is earning $5 million annually.

James Franklin was making $8.5 million at Penn State (through 2031) before he was fired Oct. 12.

Kraft reportedly offered Sitake $10 million annually.

The Centre Daily Times reported Thursday that Penn State also interviewed former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll, who was fired earlier this season.

PSU interim coach Terry Smith guided the Lions to a 3-3 record after Franklin’s exit and was interviewed last week.