New Penn State QB Rocco Becht Brings Winning Pedigree from Iowa State

Head coach Matt Campbell explains why his former QB is the perfect fit to lead the Nittany Lions' offense.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Rocco Becht, who was the starting quarterback at Iowa State for the past three seasons, will join new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell in Happy Valley for the 2026 season. Campbell praised Becht's toughness, grit, and character, saying he embodies the values of the Penn State football program both on and off the field. Becht is looking to build on his previous success and help lead the Nittany Lions as they begin a new era under Campbell's leadership.

Why it matters

Becht's arrival at Penn State represents an important step in the program's rebuilding process under new head coach Matt Campbell. As a proven winner at the college level, Becht's experience and leadership will be crucial in helping the Nittany Lions get off to a strong start in 2026 and potentially compete in the Big Ten.

The details

Becht was the starting quarterback at Iowa State for the past three seasons, leading the Cyclones to a 21-15 record over that span. In 2025, he threw for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The previous year, he surpassed 3,500 passing yards with 25 touchdowns. Campbell is hoping to unlock that level of production from Becht as he makes the jump from the Big 12 to the Big Ten with Penn State.

  • Becht announced his intention to leave Iowa State shortly after Campbell took the Penn State job in 2026.
  • Penn State will open the 2026 season on September 5 against Marshall inside Beaver Stadium.

The players

Matt Campbell

The new head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, who previously served as the head coach at Iowa State.

Rocco Becht

The former starting quarterback at Iowa State who will join Campbell at Penn State for the 2026 season as the Nittany Lions' new quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Rocco has always been that for us: tough, gritty, character, I don't think any quarterback in college football coming back has won more games with the last possession of the game than what Rocco Becht has during his time as a starter.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Coach, Penn State Nittany Lions (on3.com)

“And I think for him, what I believe Penn State football is: integrity, character, class, excellence, grit, he embodies every one of those traits.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Coach, Penn State Nittany Lions (on3.com)

“We're gonna look back at this season, which had a lot of lows and a lot of highs. I'm super proud of this team because it's really hard to go through a four-game losing streak and come back and win four games in a row.”

— Rocco Becht (on3.com)

What’s next

Penn State will open the 2026 season on September 5 against Marshall inside Beaver Stadium, giving Becht and the Nittany Lions a chance to get off to a strong start before diving into Big Ten play.

The takeaway

Rocco Becht's arrival at Penn State represents an important piece of the puzzle as the Nittany Lions look to rebuild under new head coach Matt Campbell. Becht's proven track record of success and leadership at the college level should provide a significant boost to Penn State's offense as they aim to compete in the Big Ten.