Iowa State could be fined for rejecting bowl game after losing Matt Campbell

The Iowa State Cyclones finished the 2025-26 season with an 8-4 record, effectively qualifying the team to participate in a bowl game. However, after they lost head coach Matt Campbell to the Penn State Nittany Lions, the program decided to reject playing in a bowl game.

That decision could lead to a fine, according to Brett McMurphy of On3 Sports. Iowa State is the second team in the Big 12 to turn down a bowl game. It appears it could be a costly decision for the Cyclones.

“Iowa State (8-4) has declined a bowl bid to conclude the 2025 season, On3’s Brett McMurphy has learned. This comes on the heels of Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell departing for the Penn State head coaching gig… According to McMurphy, Iowa State could be subject to a fine. Although that remains to be seen as the postseason begins.”

Cyclones’ Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, issued a statement about the program’s decision not to participate in a bowl game, per McMurphy. Pollard is ultimately supportive of the team’s decision. However, he does not say anything about the potential fine the football team faces.

“The administrative staff & coaches respect & support the players’ decision,” said Pollard. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season & we are grateful for their leadership as we worked through this process w/them today.”

Iowa State replaced Matt Campbell with Jimmy Rogers out of Washington State. With a brand new coach in place, it makes sense that the Cyclones don’t want to play in a bowl game. It gives Rogers a chance to start fresh and begin implementing his plan for next season right away.

We’ll have to wait and see if the NCAA decides to fine the program or not. The first bowl game will kick off on December 13, with the first round of the College Football Playoff beginning on December 19.

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