The college football offseason just got a jolt. Rocco Becht, one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, announced he’s entering the transfer portal.
This move comes right after a major coaching shakeup. Becht’s long-time mentor, Matt Campbell, left Iowa State for a high-profile gig at Penn State.
The timing’s got everyone speculating about a possible reunion. If it happens, it could really shake up the competitive landscape for the next season.
Rocco Becht: A Proven Talent
Rocco Becht isn’t your everyday quarterback. He’s built a reputation at Iowa State as one of college football’s most reliable and clutch players.
He’s racked up over 9,200 passing yards and 64 touchdowns—pretty wild numbers for any school’s history. Even after a shoulder injury in 2025, he still managed to throw for 2,584 yards, showing real grit.
High-Pressure Performer
Becht thrives in the fourth quarter when the pressure’s on. Analysts say his steadiness is exactly what teams chasing a title need.
Now that he’s in the portal, teams desperate for a veteran quarterback are scrambling to reset their plans.
The Coaching Carousel: Matt Campbell’s Move to Penn State
Matt Campbell heading from Iowa State to Penn State has been the talk of the coaching carousel. He played a huge part in Becht’s development.
Now Campbell brings his expertise to Happy Valley. The close bond between these two has people guessing Becht might join him at Penn State.
Immediate Impact Expected
If Becht transfers, he’d reunite not just with Campbell but also with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters. That familiarity could help as Becht rehabs his shoulder for 2026.
Penn State needs a starter, and the deep connections here make this recruitment feel like it’ll move fast.
Media Speculation and Analysis
Media and analysts jumped on this story right away, pegging Penn State as the favorite to land Becht. On Josh Pate’s College Football Show, the host pointed out the obvious connection.
Pate called Becht a “Matt Campbell guy” and said Penn State will likely play a huge role in his decision.
High NIL Valuation
On3 puts Becht’s NIL value at $1.4 million. That’s a hefty number, showing just how much he could mean for a program on and off the field.
The Future at Penn State
If Becht picks Penn State, the Nittany Lions could get a serious jolt on offense. He’s got the mental sharpness and physical tools that make him a big draw.
Pate even said Becht thinks more like an NFL player. That kind of mindset could really lift the team.
Stabilizing Force
Bringing Becht in would give Penn State a steady hand at quarterback. His knack for clutch play helps raise the team’s floor and lowers the risk of a meltdown season.
With a new coaching staff, that kind of stability could make all the difference.
Conclusion
The possibility of Rocco Becht reuniting with Matt Campbell at Penn State is honestly one of the more fascinating storylines floating around this college football offseason. Becht just entered the transfer portal, and suddenly, everyone’s speculating about his next move.
He’s got a solid record, a high NIL value, and a real connection with Campbell. Penn State just seems like it fits, doesn’t it?
The NCAA Transfer Portal opens January 2, and you can bet fans and analysts will be glued to every update about where this quarterback ends up.
Want more details? Check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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