The new era of Penn State football includes a complete transformation at the most critical position on the field.
Following the departures of Drew Allar, Ethan Grunkemeyer, Jaxon Smolik and Bekkem Kritza, plus a change position coach, the Nittany Lions will enter the 2026 season with a complete reset in the quaterback room.
Like most other positions, Penn State’s new coaching staff hit the portal hard to fill out the roster, blending proven talent with highly touted developmental upside. Here’s how the unit breaks down as the season approaches.
Rocco Becht
As the program undergoes a significant organizational overhaul, any uncertainty regarding the starting signal-caller has been erased. Becht lands in Happy Valley as the definitive face of the franchise, following head coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to anchor the refreshed roster.
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound redshirt senior carries a strong pedigree into the Big Ten landscape. Becht exploded onto the scene in 2023, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year accolades with a 3,120-yard, 23-touchdown performance.
His 2024 season culminated in a Big 12 title game appearance and a Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP trophy, secured by a dramatic 42–41 win over Miami where he accounted for four total touchdowns.
Last season’s performance was marred by injuries, though he produced solid numbers and guided the Cyclones to a respectable 8-4 campaign.
Becht arrives for the 2026 trek boasting 26 career victories, the highest total among all FBS quarterbacks entering the year. Assuming a return to full health, Becht is also dangerous with his legs, accounting for 19 career rushing touchdowns.
His deep-rooted understanding of offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser’s scheme paired with his ability to execute in high-leverage moments provides the Nittany Lions with a veteran, cold-blooded gunslinger. If he avoids the occasional head-scratching throws that seemed to plague him at Iowa State, Becht has the potential to challenge for single-season program records this fall.
Alex Manske
Providing future upside at the position, Manske represents the long-term plan for the offense. A redshirt freshman who originally signed with Iowa State, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Iowa native elected to follow the coaching staff to Happy Valley in January.
Manske is a high-ceiling prospect — the former four-star and No. 2 recruit from Iowa was viewed as a major recruiting win for the staff. He appeared in three games in limited action last season, completing four of five throws for 28 yards while adding 33 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Though Becht has firm control over the starting job, Manske will battle for the backup role and could be the future of the program. For now, his understanding of the offense gives the coaching staff a reliable insurance policy and a foundational piece to build around.
Connor Barry
In one of the more intriguing transfer additions of the offseason, Penn State secured the services of veteran left-handed passer Connor Barry. The senior arrives after an elite career at the Division III level with Christopher Newport.
Barry is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where he led his team to an undefeated 10–0 regular season and a playoff berth. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound signal-caller set program records with 2,866 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns while adding 11 scores on the ground.
His performance earned him second-team AFCA All-American honors, NJAC Offensive Player of the Year recognition and a spot as a Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist.
While making the leap to the Power 4 requires a major adjustment, Barry’s passing efficiency and starting experience give the Nittany Lions a highly capable, battle-tested veteran in the room.
Depth
Beyond the primary trio, the roster is well-stocked for the future. True freshmen Kase Evans and Peyton Falzone joined the squad this year, giving the coaching staff young arms to utilize on the scout team as they adapt to the speed of college football.
