The NCAA Transfer Portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, but that hasn’t stopped the early action. One name grabbing attention ahead of the window is Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht - and there’s plenty of reason for Penn State fans to take notice.
Becht, who started three seasons under new Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell at Iowa State, has informed the Cyclones staff that he intends to enter the portal. That news, first reported Saturday, immediately positions him as one of the most experienced and accomplished quarterbacks available this cycle.
And the Penn State connection? It runs deep.
Campbell didn’t just bring himself to Happy Valley - he also brought over offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Taylor Mouser, as well as quarterbacks coach Jake Waters. That trio helped groom Becht into the quarterback he is today, and that familiarity could be a major factor as Becht weighs his next move.
A Proven QB Hits the Market
Becht isn’t just another name in the portal - he’s a battle-tested starter with real production. Over his career at Iowa State, he completed 714 of 1,177 passes (60.7%) for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns, while throwing 27 interceptions.
He led the Cyclones to the 2024 Big 12 Championship Game, coming within a win of reaching the College Football Playoff. That kind of experience - especially at a program like Iowa State, which isn’t always stocked with elite talent - makes him a valuable target for quarterback-needy teams.
His best season came in 2024, when he threw for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns. Even this past fall, while dealing with injuries to both shoulders, Becht still managed to put up 2,584 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. He recently underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder to repair a torn labrum, but there’s no indication it will impact his availability going forward.
Why Penn State Makes Sense
The Nittany Lions are heading into 2025 with more questions than answers at quarterback. Drew Allar, the three-year starter, is off to the NFL after his senior season was cut short by injury. Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer showed promise in relief and has expressed interest in staying - but also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the new staff and what that means for his role.
Behind Grunkemeyer, the depth chart thins out quickly. Redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik was used as a change-of-pace runner before a season-ending injury.
Freshman Bekkem Kritza is viewed as a long-term development project and also missed time with injury. By the end of the season, wide receiver Liam Clifford was listed as the No. 2 quarterback.
That’s not exactly ideal heading into a new era.
Penn State did sign two three-star quarterbacks this month - Peyton Falzone out of Nazareth, Pa., and Kase Evans from Lexington, Texas - but both are long-term plays. If Campbell wants to win now (and he does), adding a veteran like Becht, who already knows the system and has logged serious snaps, makes a lot of sense.
Campbell’s Quarterback Philosophy
During his introductory press conference earlier this month, Campbell made it clear what he’s looking for in a quarterback - and it’s not just about arm strength or mobility.
“Quarterback’s funny, right?” Campbell said.
“It’s fit. It’s the relationship with the head coach.
The quarterback and the head coach better be linked at the hip. The quarterback has got to have the leadership ability, the toughness and the grit to control the locker room.”
That description fits Becht to a tee. He’s not flashy, but he’s tough, experienced, and respected.
He’s played through pain, led a locker room, and helped elevate a team that wasn’t expected to contend. And if Campbell is serious about culture and continuity, Becht is a plug-and-play leader who can help bridge the gap while younger talent develops.
From Florida to the Big 12 - and Maybe the Big Ten?
Becht came out of Zephyrhills (Fla.) Wiregrass Ranch as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022. He was ranked as the No. 61 quarterback nationally and No. 123 overall in Florida, with Power Four offers from Ole Miss and Wake Forest in addition to Iowa State.
He’s also got the bloodlines. His father, Anthony Becht, is a former NFL tight end and first-round pick who played 11 seasons in the league after starring at West Virginia. Football IQ runs in the family, and Rocco has shown that on the field with his poise, decision-making, and ability to lead in high-pressure situations.
What’s Next for Penn State
The Nittany Lions are set to face Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27 at Yankee Stadium. It’s a chance for the team to close out the season on a high note and for the new staff to get an early evaluation of what’s already in-house.
But the bigger question looms: Who will be under center in 2025?
If Becht does land in Happy Valley, it would give Penn State a veteran signal-caller with deep ties to the coaching staff - and a proven track record of production at the Power Four level. For a program looking to stabilize during a time of transition, that kind of move could be a game-changer.
The portal may not be open just yet, but the quarterback carousel is already spinning. And Penn State might just be in position to grab one of the best riders available.