In a significant move to rebuild the Penn State Nittany Lions football roster, new head coach Matt Campbell is aggressively pursuing top talent from his former program. The latest target is Benjamin Brahmer, the former Iowa State tight end who entered the 2026 transfer portal ranked as the No. 1 tight end available. This potential reunion could provide a major boost to Penn State's offensive firepower.
Who is Benjamin Brahmer?
Benjamin Brahmer is a highly sought-after prospect in the current transfer cycle. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size and athleticism to the field. His physical stature makes him a formidable challenge for any defense, effective both as a receiver and a blocker in the running game.
His on-field performance at Iowa State solidifies his reputation. Over three seasons with the Cyclones, Brahmer accumulated 75 receptions for 977 yards and nine touchdowns. His 2025 season was particularly impressive, where he recorded 37 catches for 446 yards and a team-high six touchdowns, averaging over 12 yards per reception.
Despite facing injury setbacks earlier in his career, Brahmer demonstrated durability and high production in his final year at Iowa State, tying for the most touchdown catches among all Big 12 tight ends.
Matt Campbell's Strategic Recruitment from Iowa State
Since taking over as Penn State's head coach on December 8, 2025, Matt Campbell has not wasted any time leveraging his connections. After a successful decade at Iowa State, Campbell is actively recruiting players familiar with his system to accelerate the team's development in Happy Valley.
His strategy is already showing results. Campbell has successfully flipped seven high school recruits who were previously committed to Iowa State. Notable recent additions include:
- Three-star linebacker Keian Kaiser, who committed on Christmas Eve.
- Offensive linemen Pete Eglitis and Mason Bandhauer.
This recruitment push has dramatically improved Penn State's 2026 recruiting class ranking, moving it from outside the top 136 to No. 122 nationally. With nine total commitments so far, the coaching staff is focused on adding more talent before the February signing period.
The Transfer Portal: A Fast Track to Improvement
Beyond high school recruits, the transfer portal offers a pathway for immediate impact. Targeting a proven player like Benjamin Brahmer fits perfectly into Campbell's plan. Brahmer, who was originally a three-star recruit from Pierce High School in Nebraska, chose Iowa State and thrived under Campbell's guidance, becoming a key offensive weapon.
A move to Penn State would reunite him with the coach who helped develop him, offering a seamless transition and the potential for instant offensive production. This approach highlights Campbell's intent to build a competitive roster quickly by integrating players who already understand his philosophy and expectations.
The pursuit of Brahmer is more than just a single transfer; it's a statement of intent from the new Penn State regime. It signals a clear strategy to use every available tool—high school flips and the transfer portal—to elevate the Nittany Lions' program back to national prominence under Matt Campbell's leadership.
