Matt Campbell Reaffirms Commitment To Iowa State Amid NFL Interest As Key Stars Return For 2021 Season

If 2020 was a historic year for Iowa state football, 2021 could be even better. In the wake of a 9-3 season capped off by a Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon, the Cyclones have plenty to be excited about what is coming back – starting with coach Matt Campbell.

Campbell appeared to confirm he would return to Ames in a tweet sent on Sunday. Campbell was on the New York Jets wishlist, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. However, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman tweeted later on Saturday that Campbell was no longer interviewing with the Jets.

“I am very grateful for the commitment of so many people to continue to want to build our program together”, Campbell tweeted. “Our foundation was built on loyalty and faithfulness and she will continue to be our guiding light. Humbled and grateful to continue to lead to be different.”

Campbell is 35-28 in five seasons at Iowa State with four consecutive winning seasons. He led the Cyclones to their first Big 12 Championship game last year and has been one of the market’s most coveted coaches on the carousel for the past several years.

Campbell’s claim isn’t the only good news the state of Iowa is receiving. A large number of impact players starting in 2020 will take advantage of the additional year of eligibility provided by the NCAA and / or avoid the NFL Draft. Among them are quarterback Brock Purdy, Big 12 linebacker and defensive player of the year Mike Rose, tight ends Chase Allen and Charlie Kolar, and of course All-America running back Breece Hall, who is just one second year student.

Kolar, a two-time All-America selection, has announced plans to return Sunday morning shortly before Campbell’s tweet.

Iowa State, which passed its weight during Campbell’s early years, is now returning a loaded team for 2021 with real expectations. This could very well be a preseason top 10 team with legitimate Big 12 championship hopes. While not something the State of Iowa has normally enjoyed, it is a testament to the culture and the development that Campbell installed in this program.