Matt Campbell is proud of former ISU quarterback Hunter Dekkers

Former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers wished his old coach a happy 45th birthday. On Wednesday it will be Campbell’s turn to reflect on Dekkers.

How Iowa State seniors “literally saved the program” after the gambling scandal.

On Wednesday night, Dekkers will quarterback Iowa Western Community College against Hutchinson in the JUCO National Championship Game. Iowa Western is 11-1 this season and seeking its third straight national championship.

“I’m really (proud of Dekkers),” Campbell said Tuesday. “I texted Hunter. He had texted me on my birthday and I texted him back just to tell him I was really proud. Coach (Scott) Strohmeier there at Iowa Western is a phenomenal coach. I think (Iowa) coach (Kirk) Ferentz would probably admit that too. He is certainly one of the best coaches in the state of Iowa.

Here’s how to watch former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers, Iowa Western, play in the JUCO Championship

In the summer of 2023, Dekkers was one of seven Cyclones football players charged following an investigation into illegal sports betting. Dekkers, who would have been ISU’s starting quarterback in 2023, lost his NCAA eligibility due to a $15 bet on an ISU football game in 2021 in which he told ESPN he was the backup quarterback.

In April, Dekkers enrolled at Iowa Western, two hours north of his home in Hawarden. This season he has a career-high 3,413 passing yards and 30 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

“I think for Hunter to be able to work with a great coach, get back on his feet and just play football like he does and lead a football team, you’re really proud of him said Campbell. “And listen, we all experience adversity. Overall, Hunter’s adversity is very minimalistic, and he has paid a heavy price for it. But the reality is, man, how you respond to adversity is who you are.” You are and who you become.

As Campbell led Iowa State to a historic 2024 season with 10 regular-season wins and an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game, he has kept an eye on Dekkers’ success.

Earning Respect: How Matt Campbell Became the Most Successful Coach in a Football Desert

“It was really fun to see how (Dekkers) were both able to respond on the field,” Campbell said. “And it was great to watch how coach Strohmeier led the team.”