When Matt Campbell talks about LaVar Arrington II, he does not sound like a coach discussing a player for the future. He sounds like a coach trying to solve a puzzle in real time.
Arrington’s explosiveness, physicality, and flashes on special teams already have Campbell thinking less about whether he can help Penn State and more about how quickly the Nittany Lions can put him in position to make an impact.
Is Arrington best suited as a linebacker, an edge rusher, a hybrid defender, or a special teams weapon who can grow into something more?
Campbell addressed that question during his media availability this week, and his comments made one thing clear: Penn State is looking for the fastest path to getting Arrington involved.
“I think there’s a lot of things he can do to help our football team right away,” Campbell said.
“Any move we’re ever going to make, and I’m a guy that’s always going to move guys around, is because I’m trying to figure out how I can help them help the football team and certainly help themselves as fast as they possibly can.”
Campbell got his first extended look at Arrington during Penn State’s preparation for the Pinstripe Bowl.
That was when he began to see the sophomore’s potential and started thinking about how to maximize his talent.
“What I love about LaVar, I got to watch four or five bowl practices and then you watch his special teams reps last year,” Campbell said. “You watch him run down on kickoff and some of the plays he makes. He’s explosive and he’s dynamic. His first couple steps are what I would say are wow moments. It’s like, how do we put LaVar in the best situation to impact the team as fast as we possibly can?”
Arrington burned his redshirt during the 2025 season, appearing in seven games and playing 41 total snaps. Of those, 38 came on kickoff coverage and three came on punt return, all on special teams.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Those reps may have been limited, but they gave Campbell enough to see a player with unusual traits.
When most people hear the Arrington name, their minds naturally go to his father, one of the most physically imposing defenders Penn State has ever produced. Arrington II is built a little differently at 6’3” and 220 pounds, but Campbell made it clear that the sophomore’s physical tools should not be underestimated.
“I think what’s deceiving with LaVar is he is so strong,” Campbell said. “He’s violent through his hips, he’s got great hands, and I think finding that right weight will be really critical.”
That last point is especially interesting because it suggests Arrington’s role may still be taking shape.
Campbell has seen this type of projection pay off before.
At Iowa State, he oversaw the development of Will McDonald IV, who came in as a three-star recruit and developed into a three-time All-Big 12 defensive lineman before emerging as one of the NFL’s better young pass rushers – over the last two seasons McDonald ranked 15th overall with 18.5 sacks for the New York Jets.
Penn State may be young at edge rusher, with players such as Arrington, Max Granville, and Yvan Kemajou all looking to carve out roles. But if Campbell’s comments are any indication, Arrington may be one of the most intriguing pieces in that group.
One thing seems certain: if there is a way for Penn State to use Arrington early, Campbell intends to find it.
