Matt Campbell is in his first season as Penn State head coach, and James Franklin is in his first season as Virginia Tech head coach.
Campbell previously coached Toledo from 2011-2015 and Iowa State from 2016-2025. Franklin previously coached Vanderbilt from 2011-2013 and Penn State from 2014-2025.
Which coach has a better record, more wins, and more championships at their current school and over their careers?
Head-To-Head Record
Campbell and Franklin have never faced off as head coaches.
Career Win-Loss Analysis
James Franklin has more career wins as a head coach. Franklin went 24-15 (.615) at Vanderbilt and 104-45 (.698) at Penn State. His overall record is 128-60 (.681).
Campbell went 35-15 (.700) at Toledo and 72-55 (.567) at Iowa State. His overall record is 107-70 (.605).
Campbell led Iowa State to eight wins (8-4) last year and 5-4 in the Big 12. Franklin was fired after a 3-3 start to the season with Penn State (finished 7-6 and 3-6 in the Big Ten).
Annual Record Breakdown & Winning Percentages
| YEAR | CAMPBELL | FRANKLIN |
| 2025 | 8-4 (.667) – Iowa State | 3-3 (.500) – Penn State |
| 2024 | 11-3 (.786) – Iowa State | 13-3 (.813) – Penn State |
| 2023 | 7-6 (.538) – Iowa State | 10-3 (.769) – Penn State |
| 2022 | 4-8 (.333) – Iowa State | 11-2 (.846) – Penn State |
| 2021 | 7-6 (.538) – Iowa State | 7-6 (.538) – Penn State |
| 2020 | 9-3 (.750) – Iowa State | 4-5 (.444) – Penn State |
| 2019 | 7-6 (.538) – Iowa State | 11-2 (.846) – Penn State |
| 2018 | 8-5 (.615) – Iowa State | 9-4 (.692) – Penn State |
| 2017 | 8-5 (.615) – Iowa State | 11-2 (.846) – Penn State |
| 2016 | 3-9 (.250) – Iowa State | 11-3 (.786) – Penn State |
| 2015 | 9-2 (.818) – Toledo | 7-6 (.538) – Penn State |
| 2014 | 9-4 (.962) – Toledo | 7-6 (.538) – Penn State |
| 2013 | 7-5 (.583) – Toledo | 9-4 (.692) – Vanderbilt |
| 2012 | 9-4 (.692) – Toledo | 9-4 (.692) – Vanderbilt |
| 2011 | 1-0 (1.000) – Toledo | 6-7 (.462) – Vanderbilt |
Postseason & Championship Results
Campbell has five bowl wins, zero conference championships, and zero national championships in his career.Â
Franklin has eight bowl wins, one conference championship, and zero national championships in his career.Â
Recruiting Rankings: Campbell vs. Franklin
Here’s the year-by-year team recruiting rankings (247Sports) for each coach:
| YEAR | CAMPBELL | FRANKLIN |
| 2026 | 65th (Penn State) | 30th (Virginia Tech) |
| 2025 | 55th (Iowa State) | 15th (Penn State) |
| 2024 | 55th (Iowa State) | 15th (Penn State) |
| 2023 | 40th (Iowa State) | 14th (Penn State) |
| 2022 | 39th (Iowa State) | 6th (Penn State) |
| 2021 | 59th (Iowa State) | 21st (Penn State) |
| 2020 | 46th (Iowa State) | 15th (Penn State) |
| 2019 | 46th (Iowa State) | 12th (Penn State) |
| 2018 | 55th (Iowa State) | 6th (Penn State) |
| 2017 | 52nd (Iowa State) | 15th (Penn State) |
| 2016 | 55th (Iowa State) | 20th (Penn State) |
| 2015 | 84th (Toledo) | 14th (Penn State) |
| 2014 | 92nd (Toledo) | 24th (Penn State) |
| 2013 | 76th (Toledo) | 26th (Vanderbilt) |
| 2012 | 76th (Toledo) | 46th (Vanderbilt) |
| 2011 | 74th (Toledo) | 49th (Vanderbilt) |
Visit the online sportsbook to bet on Penn State football odds, Virginia Tech football odds and more college football betting opportunities throughout the year.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
