Penn State just made an under-the-radar move that could end up paying dividends in the quarterback room.
Connor Barry, a Division III All-American out of Christopher Newport, has committed to the Nittany Lions after entering the transfer portal. And while the transfer portal window may be closed, players can still commit - and Penn State is taking full advantage.
This isn’t your typical Power Five pickup. Barry's path is far from conventional, and that’s what makes this move so intriguing.
He’s not coming straight out of high school with a blue-chip label, nor is he a Group of Five journeyman looking for a final shot. Barry started his college career at Appalachian State in 2022 before transferring to Christopher Newport, where he truly found his rhythm.
Over his career, Barry has put up eye-popping numbers: 5,561 passing yards, 83 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. That kind of production - regardless of level - turns heads.
And this past season, he took it up another notch. Barry threw for 2,866 yards and 35 touchdowns with only six picks, leading Christopher Newport to a 10-1 record and a spot in the Division III playoffs.
He was even a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, DIII’s version of the Heisman.
So while it’s rare to see a DIII quarterback make the leap to a Big Ten program, Barry’s resume speaks for itself. He’s not just a stat-padder - he’s a proven winner who’s shown poise, efficiency, and leadership.
Barry knows where he stands in the pecking order at Penn State. Speaking to Blue-White Illustrated, he said the staff is bringing him in to compete for the backup job.
That kind of self-awareness - paired with the confidence to bet on himself - is exactly what you want in a depth piece at quarterback. He’s not walking into Happy Valley expecting to take the starting job from day one, but he’s clearly ready to work.
With Barry’s commitment, Penn State’s quarterback room for 2026 looks just about set. Rocco Becht, the Iowa State transfer entering his final season of eligibility, is the frontrunner to start. Becht brings experience and a solid Big 12 track record to the table.
Behind him, the Nittany Lions have a mix of young talent and now, a savvy veteran presence. There’s Alex Manske, a former blue-chip recruit who also came from Iowa State, and two true freshmen: Kase Evans, who originally signed with the Cyclones, and Peyton Falzone, who took the traditional high school-to-college route. Walk-on Jack Lambert is the lone holdover from last year’s roster.
Adding Barry gives this group a different flavor. He’s not a long-term project or a developmental freshman. He’s a mature, game-tested quarterback who’s been through the ups and downs of college football - and thrived.
It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for Penn State. And in a sport where quarterback depth can make or break a season, having someone like Barry in the room could prove to be a smart insurance policy.