Matt Campbell has a strong track record of developing NFL draft talent, particularly at Iowa State and now at Penn State. Notable players include running backs David Montgomery and Breece Hall, and quarterback Brock Purdy.
Key points
Matt Campbell has a proven track record of developing NFL talent.
He coached David Montgomery and Breece Hall at Iowa State.
Brock Purdy, coached by Campbell, is a notable NFL draft success.
Campbell is now head coach at Penn State, a top program for NFL draft picks.
Mentioned in this story
Matt CampbellDavid MontgomeryBreece HallBrock PurdyPenn StateToledoIowa State
San Francisco 49ers
Penn State head coach Matt Campbell brings a tremendous work ethic to the football program and has put together a track record of developing players to reach the next level. During his time at Toledo and Iowa State as a head coach, with limited resources, Campbell has helped a number of players achieve their dreams of being selected in the NFL draft. That trend will undoubtedly continue at Penn State, one of the top programs in NFL draft history.
If there is one position that really stands out as a strength under Matt Campbell, it may be the running back position. Campbell has sent talented running backs David Montgomery and Breece Hall off to the NFL out of Iowa State. While not included in this list of all-time draft picks, it is worth a reminder that Campbell also brought Kareem Hunt to Toledo, and Hunt was drafted a year after Campbell left Toledo for Iowa State. So the future of the running back development should be looking pretty solid at Penn State with Campbell as head coach.
Of course, perhaps the most notable draft pick belonging to Campbell is quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite being the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy has taken great strides in the NFL and helped the San Francisco 49ers reach a Super Bowl as the team's surprising franchise quarterback.
Here is a look at every player drafted by an NFL team that had Matt Campbell as a head coach in their last game before being drafted, beginning with Campbell's time at Iowa State.
2019: David Montgomery (Iowa State)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
Q&A
Which NFL players were coached by Matt Campbell?
Matt Campbell has coached several NFL players, including David Montgomery, Breece Hall, and Brock Purdy.
What is Matt Campbell's coaching history related to the NFL draft?
Matt Campbell has coached at Toledo and Iowa State, where he developed players who were drafted into the NFL, and he continues this trend at Penn State.
How has Matt Campbell impacted running back development in the NFL?
Under Matt Campbell, running backs like David Montgomery and Breece Hall have successfully transitioned to the NFL, showcasing his ability to develop talent at that position.
What notable achievement did Brock Purdy accomplish in the NFL?
Brock Purdy, coached by Matt Campbell, was the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft and has since helped the San Francisco 49ers reach a Super Bowl.
Related Articles
Sports
Revisiting each playoff matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant
ESPN News·
NBA·Odds Move
OKC remain title betting faves; Spurs, C's follow
Oklahoma City Thunder favored to win NBA Finals, Spurs and Celtics follow closely.
ESPN News··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Dahmen the wall: Augsburg stun Leverkusen late in a dramatic comeback win
Augsburg pulls off a dramatic comeback to defeat Leverkusen!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Former Michigan State basketball guard enters transfer portal again
Tre Holloman, former Michigan State guard, enters transfer portal again after a season at NC State.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Phillies are worst team in MLB in simple statistic that is very concerning
Phillies Struggling: Worst MLB Team by Run Differential
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
New York Giants' Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh have bonded over past 'scars'
Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh of the Giants bond over their past experiences as they aim to improve the team.
Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) catches a pass and turns up field during their football game against Drake at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Ames. The Arizona Cardinals made Butler a fourth-round pick in 2019.
Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) catches a pass and turns up field during their football game against Drake at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Ames. The Arizona Cardinals made Butler a fourth-round pick in 2019.
Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu (R-Jr.) (3) is tackled by Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the Cy-Hawk football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Ames. Iowa would go on to defeat Iowa State 18-17.
Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu (R-Jr.) (3) is tackled by Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the Cy-Hawk football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Ames. Iowa would go on to defeat Iowa State 18-17.
Iowa State senior defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, right, celebrates after sacking TCU junior quarterback Max Duggan in the fourth quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.
Iowa State senior defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, right, celebrates after sacking TCU junior quarterback Max Duggan in the fourth quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.
Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Position: Quarterback
NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 7th Round, 41st pick (Mr. Irrelevant)
2023: Will McDonald (Iowa State)
New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) runs off the field after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) runs off the field after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Iowa State Cyclones' defensive back T.J. Tampa (2) warms up during the university's Spring Football game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Ames, Iowa
Iowa State Cyclones' defensive back T.J. Tampa (2) warms up during the university's Spring Football game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Ames, Iowa
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball defended by Darien Porter #26 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball defended by Darien Porter #26 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) battle for few yards as getting a tackle Arkansas State Red Wolves safety Brandon Greil (15) after making a catch during the second quarter in the week-4 NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) battle for few yards as getting a tackle Arkansas State Red Wolves safety Brandon Greil (15) after making a catch during the second quarter in the week-4 NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) walks up the field Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, during Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) walks up the field Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, during Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
