Penn State's quarterback room is undergoing a significant transformation, with every scholarship member from the 2025 squad no longer in the mix. This overhaul brings fresh leadership under position coach Jake Waters and introduces five new faces, spearheaded by Iowa State transfer Rocco Becht.
Joining Becht are fellow Iowa State alum Alex Manske and senior Division III All-American transfer Connor Barry. These additions step in for the trio of quarterbacks-Ethan Grunkemeyer, Bekkem Kritza, and Jaxon Smolik-who have entered the transfer portal, as well as Drew Allar, who is eyeing the NFL.
These new arrivals are expected to occupy key spots on the depth chart, with Becht bringing his experience as a fourth-year starter under head coach Matt Campbell. Meanwhile, Barry and Manske will compete for the backup role.
Adding to the mix are freshman quarterbacks Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans, who have already settled on campus after graduating early from high school. With spring practices on the horizon, the Nittany Lions are gearing up for an exciting period of development.
Head coach Matt Campbell expressed confidence in the revamped lineup, stating, "I feel like we gave health to the quarterback room here, from top to bottom."
Coach Waters is optimistic about the journey ahead, noting, "I think it's gonna be awesome. There are gonna be some really good times and some really tough times, and we're going to learn through it and grow.
That's how I think you do it. You've got to go and learn by failing."
As Penn State prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on blending these new talents into a cohesive unit, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.