Matt Campbell hasn’t even coached a game yet at Penn State, but the quarterback dominoes are already lining up for a pivotal offseason in Happy Valley. As the Nittany Lions prep for their Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Clemson, Campbell is stepping back and letting interim head coach Terry Smith handle game-day duties.
His focus? Building the roster that will define his first season at Beaver Stadium - and that starts with the quarterback room.
The biggest storyline? Rocco Becht, Campbell’s three-year starter at Iowa State, intends to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left.
That’s a significant move, especially considering much of the Cyclones’ offensive staff - including offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser - is following Campbell to Penn State. But Becht’s next stop isn’t a lock to be State College.
Becht will be a hot commodity in the portal. He’s got experience, familiarity with Campbell’s system, and a solid track record.
But Penn State isn’t short on talent at quarterback either. Rising redshirt sophomore Ethan Grunkemeyer is already in the building and trending up.
The former four-star stepped into the starting role for the final six games after Drew Allar’s season-ending injury, and he’s set to start the Pinstripe Bowl.
So here’s the situation: Campbell may be looking at a classic quarterback dilemma - the proven veteran who knows the playbook inside and out, or the young, high-upside passer with a chance to grow into something special. But it’s not necessarily an either-or scenario. There’s a chance, however slim, that Penn State could find a way to keep both.
Grunkemeyer’s connection to Campbell actually goes back to his recruiting days. Before he landed at Penn State, Grunkemeyer was a top target for Iowa State in the 2024 class.
He even took an official visit to Ames. That early relationship could be a bridge to mutual trust as Campbell settles into his new role.
“I know the culture he’s built at Iowa State, and I really like that,” Grunkemeyer said after his first meeting with Campbell. “I think it’ll carry over here really well.
So, just a really good impression. I like how he handles the program, and I like what he’s about as a coach and as a person.”
Still, the road ahead is tricky. Grunkemeyer hasn’t made any public decisions about his future, but the writing’s on the wall: if Becht transfers in and is handed the keys, Grunkemeyer could look elsewhere. On the flip side, if Campbell gives Grunkemeyer a legitimate shot to win the job, Becht might decide to take his final year of eligibility to a program where he’s the clear-cut starter.
There’s also a long-term angle here. If Campbell can convince Becht to come in for just one year - essentially bridging the gap to 2026 - and keep Grunkemeyer in the fold for 2027 and beyond, that’s a win-win. It gives Penn State a veteran presence now and a high-ceiling QB to build around later.
Bottom line: this isn’t just about who starts Week 1 in 2026. It’s about setting the tone for the Campbell era.
Managing the quarterback room - arguably the most important position in college football - will be Campbell’s first big test at Penn State. And how he handles it could shape the program’s trajectory for years to come.