How Matt Campbell Evaluated His First Penn State Football Roster

Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell has significantly restructured the team's roster, adding 55 new players through the transfer portal and the 2026 recruiting class, including 24 former players from Iowa State. Campbell emphasized the importance of blending these new additions with the 52 retained players from the previous roster to create a competitive team.

The quarterback position has undergone a complete transformation, with the addition of five new players, notably former Iowa State starter Rocco Becht. Becht, praised by Campbell for his leadership and perseverance, is recovering from offseason surgery and expected to be a key player.

The wide receiver group is also being revamped, with Campbell and position coach Noah Pauley aiming to address previous production issues. Key additions include former Iowa State players Chase Sowell and Brett Esklidsen.

Running back James Peoples, formerly of Ohio State, is a significant transfer, expected to complement Penn State's leading rusher Carson Hansen. Campbell highlighted Peoples' versatility and potential impact on the offense.

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