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Penn State Nittany Lions Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Penn State Football Losing Key Players, Coaches

Penn State football faces key player absence in Pinstripe Bowl, with defensive back Zakee Wheatley opting out. This follows senior defensive tackle Zane Durants decision to skip the game for NFL Draft preparation. The team also experiences coaching changes, with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and quarterbacks coach Danny OBrien leaving. More player movement is expected as the transfer portal opens, shaping the Nittany Lions bowl game and future season.

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  • Campbell's First Move: A New Defensive Coordinator

    01:54|
    Matt Campbell swiftly initiates a fresh start at Penn State, dismissing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Campbell, known for his patient, culture-first approach at Iowa State, emphasizes shared values in his new staff. He retains Terry Smith, the interim head coach, to bridge the old and new eras.
  • Penn State Football Coaching Shake-Up: Campbell Brings New Staff

    01:34|
    Penn State football undergoes major coaching overhaul following Matt Campbells hiring, with Terry Smith retained as interim coach and several coaches from the previous regime departing for Virginia Tech, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Campbell brings in his Iowa State staff, including Jon Heacock as new defensive coordinator, signaling a new era for the Nittany Lions.
  • Penn State's Transfer Portal: Washington Leaves, Campbell Arrives

    01:39|
    Penn State Nittany Lions Elliot Washington II enters transfer portal, marking first move under new coach Matt Campbell. NCAA updates transfer portal rules, allowing one annual window for players. Penn States special fifteen-day window opens January 11th. Coach Campbell works to retain key players amidst roster changes.
  • Matt Campbell Brings Familiar Faces to Penn State

    01:30|
    Penn State football welcomes Matt Campbell as new head coach, bringing three familiar coaches from Iowa State to join him. Campbell, with a successful nine-year tenure at Iowa State, boasts an impressive 107-70 win-loss record and multiple accolades.
  • Penn State's New Coaching Staff: Becht to Nittany Lions?

    01:57|
    Penn States new head coach, Matt Campbell, is reshaping the Nittany Lions football program with a significant portion of his former Iowa State coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, and secondary defensive coordinator Deon Broomfield. Mousers appointment suggests a new direction for Penn States offense, potentially leading to the transfer of Iowa States redshirt junior quarterback, Rocco Becht, who is familiar with Mousers offensive system. This move could significantly smooth the transition for Coach Campbell and the entire Penn State team.
  • Penn State's Washington Transfers, Campbell's Portal Strategy

    01:36|
    Penn State football faces early changes under new head coach Matt Campbell, with defensive back Elliot Washington the Second entering the transfer portal. Campbell, previously at Iowa State, is focusing on building his roster for the upcoming season. Washingtons departure leaves a gap in the Nittany Lions defense, highlighting the risks and benefits of the transfer portal. Campbells strategy in this area will be crucial for his teams success.
  • Penn State Football: New Coaches, Old Faces

    01:46|
    Penn State football is undergoing a significant coaching staff overhaul for the 2026 season, with Matt Campbell, the new head coach, bringing in several familiar faces from Iowa State. Taylor Mouser, a 34-year-old with a diverse skill set, takes over as offensive coordinator, signaling a fresh direction for the teams offense. Ryan Clanton and Deon Broomfield join as offensive line coach and defensive secondary coordinator, respectively. The Lions also see several coaches depart, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who went to Tennessee. The team faces challenges preparing for the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, with some key players opting out, marking a period of change and uncertainty for Penn State football.
  • Penn State CB Washington Entering Transfer Portal

    01:31|
    Penn States Elliot Washington II becomes the first player to announce his transfer to the portal, following the programs hiring of Matt Campbell as head coach. Despite being a four-star recruit, Washington struggled to secure a starting position, playing primarily on special teams. With a potential shift in defensive scheme, more roster changes may be on the horizon, making the defensive side of the ball an intriguing aspect to watch during this transfer portal cycle.