Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell is actively working to enhance his roster for the upcoming season, with the potential addition of former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, who has entered the transfer portal. This decision surprised many, as Becht had spent his entire college career with the Cyclones, making his transfer noteworthy.
After a redshirt year during his freshman season, Becht established himself as the starting quarterback for the past three years, leading Iowa State to 26 wins during that timeframe. As he prepares for his redshirt senior season, Becht’s extensive experience in the Big 12 makes him a highly sought-after prospect as teams across the nation scramble to secure a dependable quarterback.
At Penn State, the departure of quarterback Drew Allar, who is anticipated to enter the NFL Draft after exhausting his eligibility, leaves the team shifting its focus. Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who showed promise when stepping in for Allar due to injury, is expected to lead the roster. However, Campbell is reportedly keen on bringing Becht to the program, which would solidify the starting quarterback position and provide Grunkemeyer an additional year to develop his skills.
According to a report from Pete Nakos of On3, sources indicate that Penn State is the frontrunner in Becht’s recruitment despite his plans to consider other options. Other schools in the mix include LSU, Florida, Texas Tech, Florida State, Miami, and even Oregon, all of which are in need of quarterback talent.
The alignment of Becht and Penn State appears mutually beneficial. Becht stands to gain significantly by playing under his former coach at a prestigious institution, while Penn State elevates its chances for a strong season right out of the gate with a competitive starting quarterback, marking an exciting beginning for the Campbell era.