STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The final piece of Matt Campbell’s first coaching staff at Penn State is in place.
On Friday, the university announced the hiring of Savon Huggins as the program’s new running backs coach. Huggins joins the Nittany Lions after a successful stint at Boston College, where he developed a reputation as one of the ACC’s top young recruiters and talent developers.
The Completed Staff
With Huggins on board, Campbell’s full on-field staff is now finalized for the 2026 season. The group features a mix of his trusted lieutenants from Iowa State and high-profile external hires designed to compete in the expanding Big Ten.
Offense
- Offensive Coordinator/TEs: Taylor Mouser
- Quarterbacks: Jake Waters
- Running Backs: Savon Huggins
- Wide Receivers: Noah Pauley
- Offensive Line: Ryan Clanton
Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: D’Anton Lynn
- Defensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Ikaika Malloe
- Linebackers: Tyson Veidt
- Secondary/Pass Game Coordinator: Deon Broomfield
- Cornerbacks/Associate Head Coach: Terry Smith
Why Huggins?
Huggins, a former standout running back at Rutgers, brings a modern approach to the position. His time at Boston College was marked by a physical ground game that mirrors the style Campbell wants to establish in Happy Valley. He takes over a room that includes superstar Nicholas Singleton (who opted out of the bowl game but has not yet officially declared his final decision regarding 2026, though the NFL Draft looms) and the emergent Quinton Martin Jr., plus incoming transfer James Peoples.
“Savon is a rising star in this profession,” Campbell said in a statement. “He connects with players, understands the Big Ten footprint, and shares our vision for a tough, disciplined rushing attack.”
What’s Next?
With the coaching carousel officially closed for Penn State, the staff’s full attention turns to the fast-closing transfer portal window (closes Jan 16) and winter conditioning.