Penn State has its quarterback.
As expected, Iowa State transfer quarterback Rocco Becht is head to Penn State, following head coach Matt Campbell, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, all of whom he worked with in Ames.
Becht has one year of eligibility remaining after spending four seasons as a Cyclone, including three as a starter. Becht totaled 714 completions on 1,177 attempts for 9,274 yards with 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions, making him one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Iowa State history. Becht completed 205 of 339 passes (60.5%) for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns to nine interceptions last season, putting him in the top half of the conference.
Becht has amassed a 24-12 record as a starter, being named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 and an all-conference honorable mention in 2024. He holds the single-game record for passing yards with 446 against Memphis in 2023 and was responsible for two of the five best seasons in program history in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Becht immediately becomes the projected starter next season, with Drew Allar departing for the NFL and Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik entering the transfer portal. He already has familiarity with the coaching staff and playbook, bringing three seasons of starting experience.
He’ll be joined by Cyclone teammate and Penn State’s possible quarterback of the future in Alex Manske, who committed shortly after Becht on Sunday. A former four-star recruit and the No. 2 Iowa prospect in the 2025 signing class. Manske heads to Happy Valley with four years of eligbility.
Becht and Manske became the fifth and sixth transfers to commit to Penn State, which holds the top-ranked portal class in the country per 247Sports.
