Rocco Becht is officially on the move.
The Iowa State quarterback has informed the Cyclones coaching staff of his intent to enter the NCAA transfer portal, and with that, one of college football’s most productive signal-callers is about to hit the open market. The timing is especially interesting given the recent coaching shakeup in Happy Valley - and yes, Penn State fans are already connecting the dots.
Becht exits Iowa State with a résumé that speaks for itself. He’s racked up 26 career wins as a starter - the most among any returning quarterback - and if he lands a starting job in 2026, he’ll enter the season as the winningest active quarterback in the country.
That’s not just a fun stat. It’s the kind of experience and leadership that coaches covet, especially in today’s transfer-heavy landscape.
But it’s not just about wins. Becht has been a model of consistency and production over his three seasons in Ames.
He’s thrown for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns, accounting for 83 total scores. Those numbers are expected to place him among the top five returning quarterbacks nationally next season - depending, of course, on who else stays or goes.
He also holds the Iowa State program record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass, finding the end zone through the air in 18 straight contests.
Becht’s breakout began in 2023 when he was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. And he kept that momentum rolling into 2024, capping the season with a statement performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. In a high-scoring battle against Miami, Becht didn’t just show up - he took over, leading the Cyclones to a shootout win and earning MVP honors in the process.
Now, with Becht in the portal, the focus naturally shifts to what’s next - and Penn State is a name that’s going to come up a lot. The Nittany Lions recently hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State, and Becht’s departure comes just days after that move.
While no official connection has been made, the potential for a reunion is hard to ignore. Campbell knows Becht’s game inside and out, and the two built a strong foundation during their time together in Ames.
Penn State’s current quarterback room includes redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who stepped in after Drew Allar went down with a season-ending injury against Northwestern. Grunkemeyer was originally recruited by Campbell when he was still at Iowa State, receiving an offer back in 2022. That familiarity could factor into how the Nittany Lions approach the position this offseason.
As for Becht, he’s expected to weigh all his options. With his track record, he’s going to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal - a proven winner with big-game experience and a stat line that stacks up with the best in the country.
Wherever he lands, Becht brings instant credibility and leadership. And with the way college football is evolving, that kind of quarterback can change a program’s trajectory overnight.