How Matt Campbell Will IMPROVE Penn State — Former Player Reveals Truth About Campbell
How Matt Campbell Will IMPROVE Penn State — Former Player Reveals Truth About Campbell  
Podcast: Locked On Nittany Lions - Daily Podcast On Penn State Nittany Lions Football & Basketball
Published On: Sun Dec 14 2025
Description: What is Penn State really getting in Matt Campbell? Former Iowa State player Steven Wirtel, who spent four years under Campbell before playing in the NFL, joins Zach Seyko to reveal what makes Penn State’s new head coach special. Wirtel explains why Campbell’s authenticity, leadership, and family-first culture transformed Iowa State and will thrive in Happy Valley. The two also break down Campbell’s recruiting style, his first staff hires (Jon Heacock, Ryan Clanton, Derek Hoodjer), and which Iowa State coaches or players could follow him to Penn State — including Rocco Becht. Finally, they set realistic expectations for Year 1 and beyond.Follow Steven!X: https://x.com/StevenWirtelDISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded before some of the recent coaches hired by Penn State.#PennState #MattCampbell #WeAre #CollegeFootball #IowaState #BigTenBecome an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Omaha SteaksSave big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.Wayfair. Every style. Every home.Rocket MoneyTake control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money.Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today.Aura FramesFor a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTubeLocked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollegeFollow the show on X!https://x.com/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #footballKey words:penn statepenn state nittany lionspenn state footballpenn state schedulepenn state universitypenn state football schedulepenn state basketballpenn state gamepenn state ohio statepenn state michiganpenn state wrestlingpenn state scorepenn state newspenn state rosterpenn state football newspenn state football gamecollege footballpenn state recruitingpenn state football recruitingpenn state football todaypsu footballmike rhoadescael sandersonmike rhoades press conferencecael sanderson press conferenceRemember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=10:00 Intro – What is Penn State getting in Matt Campbell?2:00 Campbell’s authenticity and player-first approach explained5:30 How Campbell inspired players like Brock Purdy and Breece Hall7:15 How Campbell won over top recruits13:30 John Heacock, Ryan Clanton, and Derek Hoodjer15:00 How Clanton elevate Penn State’s O-line17:30 Strength coach Reed Kagy18:30 Noah Pauley and Taylor Mouser21:30 Mouser’s impact as a TE coach26:00 Iowa State players who could follow Campbell29:00 Rocco Becht’s leadership and experience31:00 Other names to watch35:00 Year 1 expectations and long-term goals37:30 Wirtel: “Trust and culture win close games"38:30 Can Penn State win a national title under Campbell?39:30 Wirtel: “The sky’s the limit"40:30 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.