Rocco Becht Enters Transfer Portal, Ending a Defining Era at Iowa State
AMES - For the better part of the last three seasons, Rocco Becht wasn’t just Iowa State’s quarterback - he was the face of the program. Through highs and lows, wins and injuries, Becht stood at the center of the Cyclones’ identity under Matt Campbell. Now, with Campbell off to Penn State and a new regime taking shape in Ames, Becht is moving on.
The veteran signal-caller announced Saturday that he’s entering the transfer portal, signaling the end of a chapter that helped define the late Campbell years. His departure comes just two weeks after Campbell’s decade-long run as head coach came to a close.
In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram, Becht thanked the Iowa State community, praised new head coach Jimmy Rogers, and made it clear this decision wasn’t made on a whim.
“This program, this community, and this fanbase have shaped me in ways I’ll carry for the rest of my life,” Becht wrote. “I’ve had meaningful conversations with Coach Jimmy Rogers, and I’m confident he will elevate this program to new heights. But after deep consideration, I’ve decided to pursue new opportunities for my senior season.”
Becht’s final season in Ames was a gritty one. He played through multiple injuries, including a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that required surgery. Despite the physical toll, he led the Cyclones to an 8-4 record in 2024, showing the kind of toughness and leadership that earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Statistically, it wasn’t his most explosive year - he threw a career-low 16 touchdown passes and tied his career high with nine interceptions. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Becht finishes his Cyclone career with a 65-to-27 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and more importantly, he authored seven game-winning fourth-quarter drives - a mark that ranks third nationally among active FBS quarterbacks.
He walks away as the second-winningest quarterback in Iowa State history with 26 victories, trailing only Brock Purdy’s 30.
Those wins didn’t come easy. Becht’s tenure was marked by resilience - battling injuries, adapting to roster changes, and carrying the weight of expectations. But through it all, he remained steady, a calming presence in the huddle and a leader in the locker room.
“You embraced me, supported me, and pushed me to become better - not only as a player, but as a man,” Becht said in his message to Cyclone Nation. “Iowa State will forever be a part of who I am.
Thank you for every moment, every cheer, and every ounce of belief you poured into me. I’ll always represent Cyclone Nation with pride.”
Becht’s exit isn’t the only notable roster shakeup for Iowa State. Cornerback Jontez Williams also announced Saturday that he’s entering the transfer portal. Williams led the Cyclones in interceptions last season with four, but was limited to five games in 2025 before a season-ending injury cut his year short.
Together, Becht and Williams represent a significant shift in the Cyclones’ core as the program transitions into the Jimmy Rogers era. Becht’s leadership and late-game poise will be tough to replace, but his legacy in Ames is secure - a quarterback who gave everything he had, every snap, every season.
As for what’s next? Becht will be one of the most experienced and proven quarterbacks on the market. And wherever he lands, he’ll bring with him a track record of toughness, leadership, and the kind of fourth-quarter magic that can change a game - and a season.