A new chapter is set to begin for Penn State football as the program prepares for a transition following their matchup against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. With the appointment of Matt Campbell as the head coach after the dismissal of James Franklin midway through the current season, speculation is growing about potential changes to the team’s roster, particularly at the quarterback position.
A notable candidate for this role is Rocco Becht, who has a strong connection to Campbell as his former quarterback at Iowa State. In a recent analysis, The Athletic’s Manny Navarro predicted that Becht would take the reins as Penn State’s quarterback in the 2026 season. Becht, who has accumulated 64 touchdown passes and over 9,274 passing yards during his college career, has demonstrated his capability on the field. Additionally, he has shown versatility with eight rushing touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.
While there are numerous options available in the transfer portal, the possibility of Becht joining Penn State appears to be strong, particularly with Campbell bringing much of his coaching staff along from Iowa State. As the team awaits decisions from incumbent quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer regarding his future, the prospect of Becht’s arrival offers a sense of hope for the Nittany Lions as they look to build a competitive roster for the coming years.
The potential for a seamless transition at quarterback under Campbell, paired with Becht’s impressive stats, suggests that Penn State could be on the cusp of a revitalized offense. This new era of Nittany Lions football has fans eagerly anticipating the future.