Penn State is expected to add a familiar and accomplished name to its defensive staff, as Cincinnati defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt is set to join the Nittany Lions as linebackers coach, according to a source. Bearcat Journal first reported the move, which reunites Veidt with head coach Matt Campbell after nearly a decade of shared success.
Veidt has served as Cincinnati’s defensive play caller since 2024, a tenure that drew mixed reviews as the Bearcats struggled statistically, ranking 85th nationally in total defense in 2024 and 100th in 2025. Still, his unit produced elite individual talent, including All-Big 12 First Team linebacker Jake Golday in 2025, underscoring Veidt’s long-standing strength as a linebacker developer.
That reputation was forged during an eight-year run at Iowa State (2016–23), where Veidt served as associate head coach and linebackers coach under Campbell. His impact was profound. Under his guidance, Cyclone linebackers earned All-Big 12 honors 18 times, including three seasons (2017–19) when all three starting linebackers were recognized. Iowa State consistently fielded one of the nation’s best defenses, ranking among the Big 12’s top three in scoring defense for seven straight seasons and leading the league in total defense twice.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Veidt coached two All-Americans in Ames, most notably Joel Lanning, whom he famously converted from quarterback into a First Team All-American linebacker in 2017, and Mike Rose, the 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His linebackers were central to Iowa State’s historic 2020 season, which included a Big 12 Championship Game appearance and a Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon.
Before Iowa State, Veidt developed strong defensive units at Toledo and rebuilt Bluffton University as head coach, restoring competitiveness while excelling academically. Named FootballScoop’s Linebackers Coach of the Year in 2017, Veidt brings deep institutional familiarity, proven player development, and leadership to State College as Penn State looks to reestablish its defensive edge under Campbell.
