Sun Dec 07 05:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Penn State Shocks College Football World, Hires Matt Campbell After Lengthy Coaching Search; Fallout Expected

STATE COLLEGE, PA – After a drawn-out and often bizarre coaching search that extended well beyond the hiring of James Franklin by Virginia Tech, Penn State has finally found its head coach: Iowa State’s Matt Campbell. The university announced the hiring late Monday, ending weeks of speculation and uncertainty that followed Franklin’s departure in October.

Athletic Director Pat Kraft’s decision to bring in Campbell comes as a surprise to many, particularly given the strong support for interim coach Terry Smith. Smith, who guided the Nittany Lions to a 6-6 record and bowl eligibility, was a popular choice among players. However, the job goes to Matt Campbell.

While Smith will not take the helm in State College, a late-night report from Audrey Snyder has indicated that the new head coach is expected to retain Smith on his staff.

The hiring has significant implications for both Penn State and Virginia Tech. With Smith staying in State College, it now opens the door for Franklin to start poaching assistant coaches to join him at Virginia Tech. It also opens the door for Nittany Lions players to enter the transfer portal and potentially follow the former coach to Blacksburg, as over half the recruiting class did.

Campbell, known for his successful tenure at Iowa State, faces the immediate challenge of assembling his coaching staff and solidifying the roster amidst the potential exodus. His track record suggests he can build a competitive program, but he will need to act quickly to stabilize the team in the wake of the coaching change.

The next few weeks promise to be filled with drama as Franklin may now look to raid Penn State’s program for assistant coaches and players.

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