Penn State fired James Franklin in October 2025, paying a $49 million buyout over six years. Matt Campbell now earns $10 million annually through 2033, ranking 10th nationally.
The Nittany Lions generate $235 million in total athletic revenue with football contributing $113.2 million.
Penn State’s Success With Honor NIL collective operates with estimated $15 million football allocation, trailing Ohio State’s $20 million and Oregon’s $23 million in Big Ten arms race.
Check out the Penn State Nittany Lions players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Drew Allar | Kaytron Allen | Ethan Black |
| Ethan Grunkemeyer | Amiel Davis | Josiah Brown |
| Jaxon Smolik | Tyler Holzworth | Liam Clifford |
| Bekkem Kritza | Quinton Martin Jr. | Logan Cunningham |
| Jack Lambert | Nicholas Singleton | Tyseer Denmark |
| Corey Smith | Aaron Enterline | |
| Cam Wallace | Jason Estrella | |
| Omari Evans | ||
| Julian Fleming | ||
| Mehki Flowers | ||
| Peter Gonzalez | ||
| Kyron Hudson | ||
| Anthony Ivey | ||
| Tyler Johnson | ||
| Donte Nastasi | ||
| Feyisayo Oluleye | ||
| Trebor Pena | ||
| Devonte Ross | ||
| Kaden Saunders | ||
| Jake Spencer | ||
| Harrison Wallace III |
Top 10 Highest Paid Penn State Football Staff 2024-2025
| Rank | Name | Position | Annual Salary | Contract Length | Total Contract Value |
| 1 | Matt Campbell | Head Coach | $10,000,000 | Through 2033 | $80,000,000 |
| 2 | Jim Knowles | Defensive Coordinator | $3,100,000 | Through 2028 | $9,300,000 |
| 3 | Andy Kotelnicki | Offensive Coordinator | $1,800,000 | Through 2027 | N/A |
| 4 | Manny Diaz | Senior Defensive Analyst | $1,500,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
| 5 | Phil Trautwein | Offensive Line | $1,200,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
| 6 | Ja’Juan Seider | Defensive Line | $950,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 7 | Terry Smith | Wide Receivers | $850,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 8 | Dwight Galt | Strength & Conditioning | $800,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 9 | Anthony Poindexter | Safeties | $750,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 10 | Danny O’Brien | Tight Ends | $700,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
Jim Knowles’ $3.1 million defensive coordinator salary ranks 1st nationally among all assistants. Penn State poached him from Ohio State after the Buckeyes won the 2024 national championship, making him the highest-paid coordinator in college football history.
Andy Kotelnicki earns estimated $1.8 million as offensive coordinator. Combined with Campbell’s $10 million and assistants totaling $13 million, Penn State’s $23 million total staff compensation ranks 3rd in Big Ten behind only Ohio State ($24.3M) and Oregon ($22.9M).
Penn State Football Program Revenue Breakdown 2024-2025
| Revenue Source | 2024 Amount | % of Total | Conference Rank | National Rank |
| Football Revenue | $113,200,000 | 48.2% | 3rd Big Ten | Top 10 |
| Big Ten Media Rights | $65,000,000 | 27.7% | Tied Big Ten | Top 10 |
| Ticket Sales | $44,000,000 | 18.7% | 4th Big Ten | Top 10 |
| Contributions/Donations | $35,000,000 | 14.9% | 4th Big Ten | Top 15 |
| Other Revenue | $12,800,000 | 5.4% | N/A | N/A |
| Total Revenue | $235,000,000 | 100% | 3rd Big Ten | 4th National |
Penn State generated $235 million in total athletic revenue for fiscal year 2024, ranking 4th nationally.
Football contributed $113.2 million representing 48.2% of total revenue, with Big Ten media rights distributing $65 million equal share from the conference’s $7 billion seven-year deal.
Beaver Stadium’s 106,572 capacity generated $44 million in ticket sales. Penn State set attendance records hosting Ohio State with 111,030 fans, while CFP home playoff games generated additional $5-8 million in net postseason revenue through hosting opportunities.
Penn State Top NIL Earners & Success With Honor
| Player Name | Position | Est. NIL Value | Top NIL Deal | Total Deals |
| Drew Allar | Quarterback | $3,200,000 | Nike/Opendorse | 8+ deals |
| Tyler Warren | Tight End | $1,200,000 | Regional partners | 5+ deals |
| Abdul Carter | Edge Rusher | $1,000,000 | Multiple brands | 4+ deals |
| Kaytron Allen | Running Back | $800,000 | Local businesses | 3+ deals |
| Kobe King | Cornerback | $700,000 | Regional deals | 3+ deals |
Drew Allar’s $3.2 million NIL valuation ranks 9th nationally through Nike, Opendorse, Great Clips, and regional sponsors.
His decision returning for senior season increased earning potential by estimated $1.5 million versus declaring for 2025 NFL Draft.
Penn State’s Success With Honor collective operates across all 31 varsity sports with football receiving estimated 60-70% allocation totaling $12-18 million annually.
This trails Ohio State’s $20 million, Oregon’s $23 million, and Texas’s $22 million, creating competitive disadvantages in transfer portal and recruiting battles.
How Much Does Matt Campbell Make at Penn State?
Matt Campbell earns $10 million base salary annually through 2033, ranking 10th nationally and 3rd in Big Ten behind Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($12.5M) and Oregon’s Dan Lanning ($10.4M).
His eight-year $80 million contract doubled his Iowa State compensation of $5 million.
Campbell’s bonus structure allows maximum $2 million additional earnings. He receives $300,000 for Big Ten Championship appearance, $500,000 for winning conference, $600,000 for CFP qualification, and $1 million for national championship, potentially pushing total compensation to $12 million annually.
Penn State paid Iowa State just $2 million buyout securing Campbell’s release. This pales compared to the $49 million owed Franklin over six years through 2031, college football’s 3rd-highest termination payment behind only Kirby Smart ($105M) and Steve Sarkisian ($60M).
Penn State vs Ohio State: Which Program Spends More?
Matt Campbell’s $10 million salary trails Ryan Day’s $12.5 million by $2.5 million. However, Penn State outspends Ohio State on coordinators—Jim Knowles’ $3.1 million plus Andy Kotelnicki’s $1.8 million totals $4.9 million versus Ohio State’s combined $4.5 million for Matt Patricia and Brian Hartline.
Total athletic revenue heavily favors Ohio State at $254.9 million versus Penn State’s $235 million, an $19.9 million gap.
Ohio State’s $20 million NIL funding also exceeds Penn State’s estimated $15 million, creating compounding advantages in facilities, recruiting, and player compensation.
Despite financial disadvantages, Penn State’s Jim Knowles hire signals aggressive championship pursuit.
His $3.1 million salary exceeds what he made at Ohio State by $900,000, demonstrating Penn State’s willingness overpaying to close competitive gaps with Big Ten’s elite.
FAQs
How much does Matt Campbell make at Penn State?
Matt Campbell earns $10 million annually through 2033, ranking 10th nationally. His eight-year $80 million contract includes potential $2 million bonuses for Big Ten Championship and CFP appearances.
How much did Penn State pay James Franklin’s buyout?
Penn State owes James Franklin $49 million over six years after firing him October 2025. The buyout ranks 3rd nationally and represents one of college football’s most expensive coaching changes.
What is Jim Knowles’ salary?
Jim Knowles earns $3.1 million as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, college football’s highest-paid assistant. His salary exceeds his previous Ohio State compensation by $900,000, establishing new market standard.
How much does Penn State make from football?
Penn State football generated $113.2 million during fiscal year 2024, representing 48.2% of the $235 million total athletic revenue. Big Ten media rights contribute $65 million annually.
