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Penn State Lands Surprise Haul in February Signing Period
New coach Matt Campbell brings in 15 recruits, mostly from his former Iowa State roster.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23pm
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While the February signing period is typically quiet for most college football programs, Penn State's new head coach Matt Campbell made the most of it. The Nittany Lions signed 15 new recruits, the majority of whom were originally committed to Campbell at Iowa State before he took the Penn State job. This allowed Campbell to quickly build out his inaugural recruiting class at Penn State, which now ranks in the bottom third of the Big Ten but is a significant improvement from where it stood just a couple months ago.
Why it matters
Penn State's ability to rapidly assemble a recruiting class in February, largely by bringing over players from Campbell's previous program, highlights the value of having an established coaching staff and relationships with recruits when taking over a new job. This gives Campbell a head start in rebuilding the Nittany Lions' roster compared to typical coaching transitions.
The details
Penn State signed only two high school recruits during the December signing period, as the Nittany Lions had not yet hired Campbell away from Iowa State. Once Campbell took over, he worked quickly to bring in 15 new players, the majority of whom were originally committed to Iowa State before following him to Penn State. This includes edge rusher Elijah Reeder, who can team up with December signee Jackson Ford to bolster Penn State's pass rush. While the class still ranks in the bottom third of the Big Ten, it represents a significant upgrade from where it stood just a couple months ago.
- Penn State signed only two high school recruits during the December signing period.
- Matt Campbell was hired as Penn State's new head coach in January 2026.
- Penn State signed 15 new recruits during the February 2026 signing period.
The players
Matt Campbell
The new head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who previously served as the head coach at Iowa State.
Elijah Reeder
An edge rusher who originally committed to Iowa State but followed Matt Campbell to Penn State.
Jackson Ford
A defensive prospect who signed with Penn State during the December 2025 signing period.
What they’re saying
“The last two months has been a whirlwind in a multitude of different ways.”
— Matt Campbell, Head Coach, Penn State
What’s next
Penn State will look to continue building momentum on the recruiting trail as they prepare for the 2026 season under new head coach Matt Campbell.
The takeaway
Matt Campbell's ability to quickly assemble a recruiting class at Penn State, largely by bringing over players from his previous program at Iowa State, highlights the value of having an established coaching staff and relationships with recruits when taking over a new job. This gives Campbell a head start in rebuilding the Nittany Lions' roster compared to typical coaching transitions.
