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Marcus Neal Jr. Commits to Penn State as Matt Campbell Adds Third Iowa State Transfer

The All-Big 12 safety becomes Matt Campbell’s third Iowa State transfer to join Penn State.

Overview

  • Neal, a sophomore defensive back, follows Campbell to State College after the coach accepted the job in December following James Franklin’s midseason firing.
  • He posted 77 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and three pass breakups in 12 regular-season games in 2025, earning All-Big 12 third-team honors.
  • He is ranked the No. 5 safety in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal rankings and No. 100 overall and No. 7 safety in the portal by 247Sports.
  • Neal is Penn State’s third transfer from Iowa State this offseason, joining tight end Benjamin Brahmer and offensive tackle Will Tompkins.
  • Campbell, 72–55 at Iowa State with two conference championship appearances, has begun reshaping Penn State’s roster through the transfer portal.