Iowa State fans can breathe a little easier, at least for now. The oddsmakers over at BetOnline have dropped their early list of candidates for the open Penn State head coaching job, and Matt Campbell is pretty far down the board. Checking in at 18/1 odds, Campbell trails 10 other potential candidates, including bigger names like Matt Rhule and Bill O’Brien. That’s good news in Ames.
While betting odds aren’t gospel, they do offer a real-time look at national perception and media buzz. And right now, those indicators suggest Campbell isn’t seen as one of the primary contenders to leave Iowa State for Happy Valley. That’s something Cyclone Nation should absolutely take as a win.
Let’s not forget, Campbell has had multiple chances to leave over the years. Whether it was the NFL knocking or blueblood programs like USC and Michigan sniffing around, he’s consistently chosen to stay put and build Iowa State from the ground up. He’s never been one to chase the flashiest opportunity, and these odds reflect that pattern. Despite being one of the best program builders in the country, he’s never been the guy seeking headlines. That humility and loyalty have always been central to his identity.
The fact that he’s listed at all still matters, as it means he’s respected nationally. But it also means Iowa State isn’t on the verge of losing him. Not unless something drastic changes. At 18/1, he’s more of a dark horse than a frontrunner. And that’s exactly where fans in Ames want him to be.
As the coaching carousel heats up, it’s easy to get caught up in speculation. But remember: the man who’s helped put Iowa State on the map is still in place, still locked in, and still fully invested in what he’s building. If the past is any indicator, it’s going to take more than a job opening and some betting buzz to pull him away.
So take this for what it is, a nod of respect, not a red alert. Let the other names climb the odds board. In the meantime, Matt Campbell is still leading the Cyclones, and that’s the only stat that matters right now.
