Penn State's New Tight End Gabe Burkle Brings Iowa State Talent

Burkle is one of several Iowa State transfers following coach Matt Campbell to the Nittany Lions.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Tight end Gabe Burkle is among the many Iowa State standouts who have followed former Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound senior is an imposing presence as both a pass target and run blocker, having collected 26 catches in each of the last two seasons at Iowa State.

Why it matters

Burkle's arrival at Penn State continues a strong tradition at the tight end position for the Nittany Lions. Along with fellow Iowa State transfer Benjamin Brahmer, Burkle is expected to make an instant impact and help the offense continue its success.

The details

Burkle was a three-star tight end prospect out of high school, with scholarship offers from several Big Ten schools. He is one of three Iowa State tight end transfers joining Penn State, along with Brahmer and Cooper Alexander. Last season, Burkle set a career high with 302 receiving yards and one touchdown.

  • Burkle will get his first Penn State practice reps in March 2026.
  • In September 2025, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell praised Burkle and Brahmer as "two of the best tight ends in college football."
  • Burkle collected 26 catches in each of the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Iowa State.

The players

Gabe Burkle

A 6-foot-6, 255-pound senior tight end who transferred from Iowa State to Penn State, following former Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell.

Matt Campbell

The head coach at Iowa State who left to take the same position at Penn State, bringing several of his former players with him.

Benjamin Brahmer

Another senior tight end who transferred from Iowa State to Penn State, alongside Burkle.

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What they’re saying

“We feel like we've got two of the best tight ends in college football right now. And those guys continue to make huge plays, not just in the pass game, but certainly in the run game as well.”

— Matt Campbell, Iowa State Head Coach

“He's done an unbelievable job. I think he's playing great football for us.”

— Matt Campbell, Iowa State Head Coach

What’s next

Burkle will get his first practice reps with Penn State in March 2026 as he looks to continue his strong play at the tight end position.

The takeaway

Penn State's addition of Gabe Burkle and other Iowa State transfers shows the Nittany Lions' commitment to building a strong roster through the transfer portal, as they look to continue their success at the tight end position.