Penn State struggling at offensive skill positions and with various other blue-chippers. They made a calculated gamble with Campbell who did more with less; and presumed he would have more to work with because of their brand.
He is still a very good evaluator and developer, but, they discounted the talent acquisition of James Franklin entirely whence harping on his weaknesses. They’re back to a range of late Joe Paterno / Bill O Brien sanctioned era level of recruiting.
Currently ranked 8th in their conference; with all four of the new entrants above them. The benefit that they had in the late 00s / early 10s was no west coast 4 while a weakened Nebraska only joined in 2011. So PSU would oftentimes finish 3rd to 7th in that era. Franklin would consistently finish second, third or fourth in the conference. Nebraska is fourth rn for the ‘27 class.
It may not matter in the end, but I could easily see it being the reason Campbell does not outdo what Franklin accomplished.
