As the dust settles on another wild college football coaching carousel, most of the major moves have been made. But in Happy Valley, a new era is just beginning. With Matt Campbell now officially at the helm of Penn State, attention quickly shifts from who’s coaching the Nittany Lions to who’s going to be quarterbacking them.
The transfer portal opens January 2, and for Campbell, that date looms large. It’s not just about building a roster-it’s about answering the most important question in college football: Who’s going to be under center in 2026?
Right now, Campbell has three distinct paths he could take. Each comes with its own set of pros, cons, and long-term implications. Let’s break them down.
OPTION 1: THE GUY ALREADY IN THE ROOM
Ethan Grunkemeyer isn’t just the quarterback on the roster-he’s the one who finished the 2025 season with a strong push. Interim head coach Terry Smith even called him “the future of the position” at Penn State.
But that was before Campbell arrived. Now, it’s up to the new head coach to decide if that future still fits his vision.
Grunkemeyer’s numbers down the stretch were eye-catching: 78.3% completion rate, 517 yards, four touchdowns over his final three games. Sure, the level of competition might not have been elite, but there’s no denying the redshirt freshman looked more comfortable with each passing week. That kind of late-season growth matters-especially at quarterback, where confidence and rhythm are everything.
There’s also a layer of familiarity here. Grunkemeyer was recruited by Iowa State, so Campbell likely knows the type of player he is.
That could work in his favor. But it’s not just about what Grunkemeyer has shown-it’s about what he can be.
And Campbell has to make that call after watching the film and evaluating how Grunkemeyer fits into his offensive system.
Of course, Grunkemeyer has his own decisions to make. He could stay and compete for the job.
He could follow QB coach Danny O’Brien to Virginia Tech. Or he could explore other Power Five opportunities.
If Campbell doesn’t give him a clear path to the starting role, don’t be surprised if he looks elsewhere.
OPTION 2: THE FAMILIAR FACE
While there’s been no official word on it, the idea of Campbell bringing Rocco Becht with him from Iowa State makes a ton of sense-for both sides.
Becht is a proven commodity. A three-year starter with a 26-13 record, over 9,200 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, he’s not just experienced-he’s productive.
He even brings some mobility to the table, with 434 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons. That dual-threat ability could be a perfect fit in a Big Ten that’s increasingly demanding versatility at the position.
Becht’s best football came in 2023 and 2024, when he had NFL-caliber receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. His numbers dipped a bit this past season, but there’s context there-he played through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder in October and just underwent surgery. He’s expected to make a full recovery in the coming months.
If Becht is weighing his options, Penn State has to be near the top of the list. He knows Campbell.
He knows offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser. He knows the system.
That kind of continuity is rare in college football, and it could be invaluable for a program in transition.
For Campbell, Becht is the definition of plug-and-play. He’s a steady hand who can guide the offense while the rest of the roster adjusts. And with a manageable 2026 schedule, he could help Penn State build momentum quickly.
But there’s a catch. If Becht comes to Happy Valley, it likely means Grunkemeyer is gone.
After starting six games, it’s hard to imagine the young quarterback sticking around to be a backup. While some fans might dream of a QB room with both, that’s probably not realistic in today’s portal-driven landscape.
OPTION 3: THE WILD CARD
Then there’s Door No. 3-the transfer portal wildcard.
We’ve already seen some big names enter the portal: Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), DJ Lagway (Florida), and Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), just to name a few. And with the portal open until January 11, more dominoes are sure to fall.
Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft has made it clear-he wants to win, and he’s willing to invest in talent to make that happen. That includes using NIL resources to land high-impact players. If Campbell and his staff identify a quarterback in the portal who fits their scheme better than Grunkemeyer or Becht, they’ll have the backing to go after him.
This is where things get interesting. Do you chase upside with a younger QB who has multiple years of eligibility?
Do you go after a one-year rental with big-game experience? Or do you stick with the known quantities already on your radar?
The portal is a gamble, but it’s also an opportunity. And if Penn State wants to make a splash in Year 1 of the Campbell era, this might be the boldest path.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Right now, there’s no perfect answer. Each option comes with its own risks and rewards. But based on what we do know, Rocco Becht feels like the most logical fit for what Campbell wants to build in Year 1.
He’s experienced. He’s familiar with the system.
He’s won games. And most importantly, he provides a high floor-something you absolutely need when taking over a program with expectations as high as Penn State’s.
Grunkemeyer is intriguing and could absolutely develop into a top-tier starter. And there may be a star lurking in the portal who hasn’t made his move yet. But Becht gives you stability, leadership, and a proven track record-all things that could help Penn State hit the ground running in 2026.
Now, it’s up to Campbell to make the call. The portal opens in just a couple of weeks, and the quarterback dominoes are about to start falling. Penn State’s next move could define not just the 2026 season-but the early legacy of its new head coach.