Artificial intelligence has quickly taken over the world. 

Its influence extends from the classroom to social media, and now, to college football.  

As Matt Campbell prepares to begin his career as Penn State football’s head coach, many people can’t help but speculate on the success he will bring to Happy Valley. 

We decided to ask four popular AI software engines how the Campbell era will go down. Good news, Nittany Nation, most of these artificial intelligence websites predict that multiple National Championships could be in our future.

And remember, the internet never lies.

ChatGPT

Ah, yes. The software that most Penn State students are on a first-name basis with. ChatGPT, “Chat” to its loyal users, displays confidence for the Matt Campbell era, but doesn’t expect the program to take any leaps and bounds in its first year under the new head coach.

In 2026, the AI software predicts a 9-3 record, with the potential for a 10-2 upside. The Nittany Lions will secure a big home win over the USC Trojans, but drop road contests against Michigan, Washington, and perhaps even Maryland or Northwestern. However, ChatGPT does see Penn State contending for a spot in the Big Ten Championship in year one.

The next two years of the Campbell era are really where an identity will begin to take shape. Earning 10-3 and 11-2 records, Penn State football will soar into the College Football Playoff by year three and potentially win a conference title. The blue and white will also secure its first top-5 victory at home since 2016 and finally defeat the “big game” allegations.

Years four through six pose the biggest championship window for Campbell. Penn State will go 11-2, 12-1, and 10-3 in that span. It will win a Big Ten Championship, secure two playoff berths, and have a long-awaited appearance in the National Championship. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, they would go on to lose the title game on a turnover (please no).

Penn State will plateau in the next three years before reloading for another championship push. Here’s where things get interesting. ChatGPT floats the possibility of the Nittany Lions forging a minor dynasty, consisting of one national championship and three Big Ten titles in three years.

But it also notes that two 10-2 seasons with one or two conference championships is a more likely outcome. Regardless, trophies are trophies, right?

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot doesn’t have as high aspirations as ChatGPT for the Campbell era. In fact, it appears to be very reminiscent of James Franklin’s time at Penn State.

The Nittany Lions will begin the tenure with a mediocre 8-4 record, followed by a 9-3 record in year two. The team will then toggle between 10-2 and 11-1 records for the next six years, with an occasional 9-3 sprinkled in. 

The software emphasizes a high floor and high ceiling, but does not predict any national championship victories. A run is possible, but the Nittany Lions will once again fail to conquer the college football mountain.

In the Big Ten, Penn State will also fail to win a title, despite having one opportunity. Campbell will, however, lead his team to four College Football Playoff appearances over the course of a roughly twelve-year span.

Copilot has its share of doubts when it comes to Campbell’s recruiting abilities, as well as Penn State’s ability to compete in an expanded and deep Big Ten.

Claude

Claude’s predictions are perhaps the most optimistic in the long run, also sharing dynastic aspirations similar to ChatGPT.

Campbell’s first year will result in a Citrus Bowl victory following a respectable 9-3 season. The Nittany Lions will experience losses to USC, Michigan, and Washington, failing to secure any notable wins in Campbell’s first season in the blue and white.

Penn State will experience a slight regression in the second season, finishing 8-4, including one game where the Nittany Lions are upset. Despite this, Campbell will lead his squad to a Holiday Bowl victory.

2028 is when things will start to come together for the new head coach. Penn State will go 10-2 and reach the Big Ten Championship, where it will lose to Ohio State (again) in a rematch of the regular season. Following defeat in Indianapolis, the blue and white will fly to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. They will drop this game as well, but will leave things looking promising for the future.

From 2029 to 2037, Penn State will rule college football. Campbell will guide the Nittany Lions to two national titles and a whopping six Big Ten titles in eight seasons. This stretch will include an unheard-of conference championship four-peat. 2033 will feature an undefeated campaign and Penn State’s first college football crown since the 1986 season. 

After one of the most dominating runs in college football history, Campbell will either retire or head to the NFL to continue his coaching legacy.

Grok

Grok also foresees Penn State climbing the college football mountain. Twice. 

Penn State football will get out to a quick start under Campbell’s leadership. In 2026, the team will earn a 10-2 record and play itself into the College Football Playoff. 

The next three seasons will result in College Football Playoff Semifinal, Quarterfinal, and National Championship appearances, respectively. En route to appearing in the title game, Penn State will achieve a 9-0 conference record.

As Campbell’s career progresses, he will accumulate one or two National Championships, two or three Big Ten titles, and four to five playoff appearances. 

By 2030, Penn State will mirror Clemson or Alabama from the late 2010s and consistently field a disciplined, resilient football team. The “Penn State way” will be restored in Happy Valley, and shades of past glory will once again descend over State College.

“If successful, Campbell becomes a Penn State icon, blending Joe Paterno’s cultural emphasis with modern recruiting savvy.”