After a busy National Signing Day for the Nittany Lions, new head coach Matt Campbell addressed the media for only the second time since his arrival in Happy Valley. During the conference, he discussed the past couple of months for the team and how he basically rebuilt the squad from the ground up.
During the first couple of months in charger of the team, Campbell had to address the mass exodus of several key players whether through the transfer portal or the NFL Draft. That saw him bring in one of the biggest portal classes in the country, with 55 additions made between the portal and commits. During his press conference, Campbell was quick to acknowledge the kind of roster he wanted to build and the considerations he made while doing so.
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“I feel like we went with the mentality of not wavering from who we want this football team to be, what the value systems of character and young men that love the sport of football, young men that love Penn State, and I would say most importantly, young men also to know they understand the value of an education from this institution,” Campbell said. By assessing the young men he has brought in, it is clear that Campbell intends to instill a new sense of optimism around Happy Valley with players who are committed to the team and the program.
Campbell also focused on the sense of culture and tradition Penn State has as one of the premier college football programs in the country. By being one of the premier coaches invested in player development, working at Penn State gives him the ultimate platform to succeed. He also hopes that several past players will stick and lend credence to what he is trying to build.
“It’s what makes Penn State football really special. It’s what has made the greatest time and the greatest eras and the greatest moments in this history of Penn State football. It makes it an honor to represent every day,” Campbell said of the unique culture Penn State brings to the table.
Penn State fans only hope he can deliver on his promises.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Matt Campbell discusses 2026 football season in Signing Day presser
