This is true. It’s remarkable that Iowa supports two FBS football programs for a state this size. Minnesota, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all get by with one. Basketball is another conversation.
If the Legislature were ever going to get involved, it would make more sense to invest in the state’s flagship than keep duplicating somthing in a small population base.
I wonder if Campbell wasn’t thrilled with Iowa State’s NIL priorities and the increasing emphasis on basketball. Who knows. What we do know is Campbell reportedly passed on opportunities tied to Notre Dame, USC, Wisconsin, and NFL interest over the years. This time, when Penn State came calling, he was ready to leave. Penn State is an elite job, but something clearly changed. Coaches who repeatedly turn down marquee opportunities don’t usually reverse course for no reason.