Iowa State QB Rocco Becht commits to Penn State from transfer portal, per report
Penn State has its new starting quarterback.
Rocco Becht committed to the Nittany Lions after a visit to campus this weekend, On3 reported Sunday afternoon. Becht, who comes from Iowa State, was a three-year starter with the Cyclones under new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell and brings a wealth of experience to Happy Valley.
The 6-foot-1, 210 pound quarterback led the program to 26 wins in his time as its starter and has amassed 9,274 passing yards 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in his career.
Becht, who is the son of former NFL tight end Anthony Becht, is a mobile quarterback who is willing to put his body on the line in key situations, running for 19 touchdowns in his career. His best year came in 2024 when he took the Cyclones to an 11-3 record, an appearance in the Big 12 title game and a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where he went 22-of-36 for 270 yards and three touchdowns through the air against Miami.
He’s a decisive passer who is willing and able to make big-time throws and stretch defenses down the field. His quick release and decision-making have made him a good fit for the Cyclones offense, which was led by Taylor Mouser, who is now Penn State’s offensive coordinator. Becht’s experience with Mouser should allow him to hit the ground running with the Nittany Lions as the offense begins to take shape for 2026.
He ranks as the No. 6 QB and No. 16 player in the portal according to ESPN, the No. 8 QB and No. 41 player in the portal according to On3, and the No. 8 QB and No. 23 player in the portal, according to 247Sports.
The former Cyclone will replace former starter Ethan Grunkemeyer, who entered the transfer portal when it opened on Friday after starting the program’s final seven games of the 2025 season following a season-ending injury by original starting quarterback Drew Allar.
Becht has one year of eligibility remaining and is expected to be one of many Iowa State players who follow Campbell to State College as the new head coach reshapes the roster, with four others — TE Benjamin Brahmer, OT Will Tompkins, S Marcus Neal Jr., and TE Gabe Burkle — already committed.
