STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Rocco Becht, the standout quarterback who led Iowa State to 11 wins in the 2024 season, has committed to Penn State for his final year of college eligibility, reuniting with his former head coach Matt Campbell. Becht announced the decision in a phone interview with ESPN on Sunday, describing the move as his 'best opportunity' to showcase his skills ahead of the NFL Draft.
Becht, who entered the NCAA transfer portal as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks available, chose Penn State after drawing interest from at least 10 programs across major conferences. According to Becht, six schools from the ACC, two from the Big 12, one from the Big Ten, and one from the SEC all identified him as their top target. The 23-year-old signal-caller brings an impressive resume to Happy Valley, including 26 career wins as a starter — the most among any returning quarterback in college football heading into the 2026 season.
The decision to join Penn State was heavily influenced by the familiarity of the coaching staff. Becht will play under Campbell, who coached him during his two seasons at Iowa State, along with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters. 'To be in the same system over the past two years and to have that again, it's something pretty important to me,' Becht told ESPN. 'It's the best opportunity for me to go into my senior season to show everything that I've got.'
Becht's production at Iowa State highlighted his dual-threat capabilities. Over his career with the Cyclones, he amassed 9,275 passing yards, 499 rushing yards, 64 passing touchdowns, and 19 rushing scores. His total passing yards rank second among returning players in college football for 2026, behind only Indiana's Josh Hoover, while his touchdown output places him in the top five entering next season.
In 2024, Becht guided Iowa State to an 11-2 record, throwing for 25 touchdowns and just nine interceptions despite battling injuries. The quarterback underwent labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder following the season and is currently wearing a sling until January 11, with a projected return to full activity around mid-April. He played much of the year with a partial labrum tear in that shoulder and also suffered an AC sprain in his throwing arm late in the campaign.
Becht's 2025 season saw a dip in performance, attributed by sources to personnel changes and those lingering injuries, though specific details on the team's roster shifts were not elaborated in reports. Despite the challenges, Becht emphasized his team-first mentality when describing what he brings to Penn State. 'Penn State is getting a winner, someone who is competitive and wants to win every game,' he said. 'Whatever my stats may be, all I want to do is win. Whatever I have to do for the team.'
Penn State's Beaver Stadium, with its capacity exceeding 106,000, left a strong impression on Becht during his weekend visit. Coming from Iowa State's Jack Trice Stadium, which holds around 61,000 and is among the larger venues in the Big 12, the scale of Penn State's home field gave him chills upon first entering. The Nittany Lions' program, steeped in tradition, has produced numerous NFL talents and boasts a supportive alumni network, factors that appealed to Becht.
Becht expressed optimism about Penn State's goals for the upcoming season, including winning at least 10 games, securing a spot in the Big Ten championship, and advancing to the College Football Playoff. He highlighted the blend of talent from Iowa State transfers and retained Penn State players under Campbell's leadership. 'Penn State has been around a long time, and there's a lot of tradition and championships and great players that have gone through there,' Becht said. 'Just the way that former players and the athletic director, Pat Kraft, say about the place — the living alumni and the effects they have on the community and how they take care of players when they move on. It's something that I want to be a part of. And I want to try and win a national championship.'
The offensive scheme at Penn State under Campbell is expected to mirror the one Becht thrived in at Iowa State, featuring run-pass options (RPOs), plays from under center and shotgun formations, and versatile usage of tight ends. Already, former Iowa State tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle have committed to the Nittany Lions, easing Becht's transition. 'Oh my gosh, it's awesome,' Becht remarked about reuniting with his former teammates. 'To have them on the same team and go out with them one last time. And to bring them over and blend in Penn State culture and bring what we had at Iowa State is something I'm really excited for.'
Campbell's move to Penn State earlier this offseason marked a significant shift in college football circles. After building Iowa State into a consistent contender in the Big 12, Campbell now inherits a program with greater resources and expectations in the Big Ten. Becht noted a change in his coach's demeanor during recent discussions. 'We were listening to him talk yesterday, and something about him changed,' Becht said. 'He's got the resources and people behind him and a program behind him to do what he wants to do — compete for a national championship.'
At Iowa State, Becht and Campbell aimed high but faced stiff competition in a crowded Big 12 landscape. The transfer to Penn State positions Becht in a conference where the Nittany Lions have been perennial contenders, though they have yet to break through for a national title in the modern era. Penn State's last undefeated season came in 1994 under Joe Paterno, and the program has reached the College Football Playoff twice in the past decade without advancing beyond the quarterfinals.
Becht's arrival bolsters a quarterback room that was in flux following Drew Allar's departure to the NFL. While Penn State returns other key pieces on offense and defense, Becht's experience — including leading Iowa State to a Big 12 championship game appearance in 2024 — could provide immediate stability. Analysts have projected Becht as a top-tier NFL Draft prospect for 2026, potentially a first-round pick if he replicates his 2024 form.
The transfer portal has reshaped college football rosters in recent years, with high-profile moves like Becht's becoming commonplace. Iowa State, now without its star quarterback, will look to rebuild under new leadership, while Penn State fans eagerly anticipate the infusion of Big 12 grit into their lineup. Athletic director Pat Kraft has emphasized player development and community ties as cornerstones of the program, sentiments echoed by Becht in his commitment.
Looking ahead, Becht's recovery timeline aligns with spring practices, allowing him to integrate fully by summer. Penn State's 2026 schedule includes marquee Big Ten matchups against Ohio State and Michigan, tests that will gauge the effectiveness of Campbell's retooled offense. As Becht prepares for this next chapter, his focus remains on team success and leaving a legacy in State College.
For Becht, the move represents not just a change of scenery but a chance to elevate his game on a bigger stage. With the support of familiar coaches and a passionate fanbase, the quarterback is poised to make an impact in his senior season, potentially steering Penn State toward its long-elusive national championship aspirations.