Rocco Becht: Penn State QB

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht believes Matt Campbell raises the ceiling in Happy Valley. (Syndication: The Ames Tribune)

After spending four seasons with Matt Campbell at Iowa State, Rocco Becht will be Penn State’s starting quarterback in 2026 for his final season of college eligibility.

Becht leaves Iowa State with the third most career passing yards (9,274) and second most passing touchdowns (64) in Iowa State history.

Over his four years at Iowa State, Becht racked up numerous awards and accolades, including Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 and Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP in 2024. In 2023, Becht was named a second-team freshman all-American by The Athletic.

Coming into Happy Valley, Becht will be among the most experienced quarterbacks returning to college football in 2026.

Becht leads all returning quarterbacks with 26 career wins. His 9,274 career passing yards rank second among active quarterbacks returning in 2026 behind only Indiana’s 2026 quarterback Josh Hoover.