Conner Moberly Stays Put as Iowa State’s QB Room Faces a Reset
In an era where quarterbacks are quicker than ever to hit the transfer portal when the depth chart doesn’t break their way, Conner Moberly is choosing a different path. The redshirt freshman is staying in Ames, even as Iowa State’s quarterback room gets a serious shakeup with Rocco Becht heading out.
Now, let’s be clear: Moberly didn’t log meaningful snaps in 2025. He spent the season on the sideline, learning, watching, and waiting.
But his decision to stick around isn’t just a footnote-it’s the kind of move that says something about the player and the program. In today’s college football climate, where patience is in short supply, Moberly’s staying power is worth a closer look.
Coming out of Southeast Polk as a three-star prospect in the 2024 class, Moberly brought with him a solid mix of size, arm talent, and developmental upside. Iowa State’s staff has liked what he brings to the table, even if he wasn’t expected to be game-ready right out of the gate. He was always a long-term project-someone who needed time in the system before being thrown into the fire.
Well, the fire might be coming a little quicker than expected.
With Becht in the portal and the quarterback depth chart suddenly looking thin, Iowa State finds itself in a familiar but urgent position. They need a quarterback-someone who can step in and take the reins immediately. Whether that answer comes from a seasoned Power Four transfer or a Group of Five standout looking to prove himself at the next level, the Cyclones will need to be aggressive in the portal.
Moberly, for all his potential, isn’t ready to lead the offense just yet. But his presence still matters.
He’s a young quarterback who’s already spent a full year learning the playbook, absorbing the system, and getting a feel for the program’s expectations. That kind of continuity is rare these days, and while it doesn’t solve the immediate need under center, it gives Iowa State a foundation to build from.
As the Cyclones head into a pivotal offseason, the quarterback position remains one of the biggest question marks. Spring ball will bring more clarity, but for now, Moberly provides at least one familiar face in a room that’s about to look very different. And in a sport where roster turnover is the norm, sometimes just having a guy who’s still in the room matters more than we give it credit for.