Matt Campbell hasn’t wasted any time putting his stamp on Penn State football. Since arriving in Happy Valley, the former Iowa State head coach has brought over much of the infrastructure that helped him build a competitive program in Ames.
That includes longtime defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, general manager Derek Hoodjer, and several key position coaches. In short, Campbell’s not just bringing a playbook-he’s bringing a proven system.
With the staff mostly in place, the focus now shifts to the roster. The transfer portal opens January 2, and with Drew Allar out of eligibility, the quarterback position immediately jumps to the top of the to-do list.
Ethan Grunkemeyer, who stepped in as a redshirt freshman and started the final six games after Allar’s season-ending injury, is certainly in the mix. But there’s a more obvious-and more experienced-option already on Campbell’s radar: Rocco Becht.
Becht, a three-year starter at Iowa State, officially entered the transfer portal this past weekend. And with Campbell and most of his former staff now at Penn State, the Nittany Lions are widely seen as the frontrunners to land him.
That said, Becht won’t be short on suitors. According to multiple reports, he’s expected to be one of the most in-demand quarterbacks in what’s shaping up to be a loaded portal class.
And it’s easy to see why.
In 2024, Becht led Iowa State to an 11-win season, throwing for over 3,500 yards. He piloted an offense that featured two NFL-bound wideouts-Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel-and kept the Cyclones in the national conversation. Even after losing that dynamic receiver duo in 2025, Becht remained effective, showing poise and adaptability in a system that demands both.
Now, the architects of that offense-Campbell, Mouser, and wide receiver coach/passing game coordinator Noah Pauley-are all in State College. That continuity can’t be overstated.
Becht knows the scheme, knows the terminology, and has already thrived in it. If he ends up in blue and white, he won’t be learning on the fly-he’ll be ready to lead from day one.
From a roster-building standpoint, the move makes a lot of sense. Bringing in Becht as a redshirt senior would give Penn State a steady, experienced hand under center in 2026.
At the same time, it allows Campbell and Hoodjer to continue developing Grunkemeyer-or whoever the next guy is-without rushing the process. Ideally, Grunkemeyer sticks around, learns for another season, and steps in as a redshirt junior in 2027.
Of course, there’s always the financial side to consider. Quarterbacks in the current portal market are commanding serious dollars-some deals are expected to reach the $5 million range. If Becht’s price tag climbs too high, Penn State may have to weigh the value of that investment against the broader needs of the roster.
Let’s not forget: James Franklin built his final Penn State squad to make a run at a national championship. That meant a senior-heavy roster, and now Campbell inherits a team in transition. There are holes to fill across the board, and while quarterback is the most visible need, it’s far from the only one.
Still, if the stars align-and the numbers make sense-Becht could be the bridge Penn State needs. He brings leadership, familiarity with the offense, and a track record of production in big moments. In a Big Ten that only gets tougher with each passing year, that kind of stability under center is invaluable.
Bottom line: if Becht ends up in Happy Valley, it’s a win. But as Campbell and Hoodjer rebuild this program from the inside out, they’ll need to make sure they’re building for the long haul-not just the next season.