It was likely a restless night’s sleep for many Iowa State football fans. And their anxiety likely has followed them into Friday morning.
Thursday night brought a heavy dose of social-media speculation amid reports from national media outlets such as ESPN and On3 surrounding the future of Cyclones coach Matt Campbell.
Iowa State fans scrolling through X/Twitter saw post after post suggesting that their 10th-year coach had emerged as a top candidate for the vacant head-coaching position at Penn State.
The fact that Campbell is one of the nation’s most respected coaches, leading to frequent speculation about which schools might seek his services, is of little solace for Iowa State fans.
Campbell has compiled a 72-55 record at Iowa State for an outstanding .567 winning percentage. He’s turned the Cyclones into a consistent winner, no small feat for a program lacking consistent success before he arrived.
Follow along with live updates of Friday’s news surrounding Penn State’s pursuit of Matt Campbell.
7:26 p.m. CT – Iowa State announces Jimmy Rogers is the Cyclones’ new coach
ISU athletics director Jamie Pollard didn’t waste any time finding a successor to Matt Campbell.
7:12 p.m. CT- ESPN’s Pete Thamel reporting Iowa State has a new head coach already
Thamel is reporting that Iowa State will be hiring Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers to replace Campbell. He’s spent one season with the Cougars (6-6) and previously coached South Dakota State to a national title in 2024.
7:06 p.m. CT: Check out all our Matt Campbell stories from tonight
6:50 p.m. CT: Who will be the next Iowa State football coach?
Campbell is only just leaving, but we’ve already got a list of coaching candidates ready for possible options for the next Cyclones’ coach.
Click here to check them out.
6:34 p.m. CT: Matt Campbell is leaving Iowa State for Penn State
The Register can confirm that after 10 years with the Cyclones, Matt Campbell has accepted the Penn State job.
Read the full story here:
6:21 p.m. CT: Taylor Mouser meets with Pollard
Shortly after Campbell left the AD’s office, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser arrived to meet with Pollard, according to Register Iowa State columnist Travis Hines.
6:15 p.m. CT: Matt Campbell meets with AD Jamie Pollard
Register Iowa State columnist Travis Hines reports that Matt Campbell just left athletic director Jamie Pollard’s office and is heading to the football facility to meet with the football team.
5:50 p.m. CT: Pete Thamel reports Iowa State football team meeting tonight
ESPN’s Pete Thamel is reporting that a meeting has been called for Iowa State football players set to be scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Register Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has confirmed Thamel’s report of a team meeting taking place at 7 p.m. No other details of the meeting have been released.
3:45 p.m. update: The scene at Iowa State athletics offices
Register columnist Travis Hines is spending part of his Friday at the Iowa State Athletics administrative offices in Ames.
Hines reports that Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard emerged from his office around 3:30 p.m. Pollard had no comment on the current situation with Matt Campbell.
Also of note: Quarterback Rocco Becht paid a visit to Pollard’s office around 2 p.m. and left about 10 minutes later.
Still nothing official, though some media organizations are operating as though Campbell-to-Penn State is a foregone conclusion …
1 p.m. CT update: Sports Illustrated reporting that Penn State is closing in on Matt Campbell hire
Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer reported Friday afternoon that Penn State and Campbell have “agreed to broad terms” to make him the team’s head coach.
11:50 a.m. CT update: Penn State, Matt Campbell reportedly working toward a deal
National football writers from ESPN, Yahoo and On3 reported midday Friday that Campbell and Penn State were in negotiations on a possible deal to make him the Nittany Lions coach.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football, updates on Matt Campbell and Penn State
Reporting by Register staff report, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
