Penn State QB Rocco Becht highlights 'off the charts' spring standout

Becht praises wide receiver Koby Howard's performance during spring practices as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a Penn State football player in motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and athleticism of the sport.Penn State's rising star wide receiver Koby Howard showcases his dynamic playmaking abilities in a cubist-inspired illustration.Penn State Erie Today

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht, who transferred from Iowa State in the offseason, has been impressed by wide receiver Koby Howard's performance during spring practices. While Becht is recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been participating, he has noticed that Howard has stood out among the team. Becht described Howard's work as 'off the charts' and is eager to throw the ball to him once he is fully recovered.

Why it matters

Becht's praise of Howard's spring performance suggests the young wide receiver could be in line for an expanded role in Penn State's offense next season. As the Nittany Lions look to replace key offensive contributors from last year, Howard's emergence could provide a boost to the passing game.

The details

Becht, who is recovering from a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, sustained the injury in October 2025 and played through the pain to finish his final campaign with Iowa State. While he has not been participating in spring practices, Becht has been closely observing his new teammates, with Howard standing out as a standout performer.

  • Becht transferred to Penn State in the offseason.

The players

Rocco Becht

Penn State's new starting quarterback, who transferred from Iowa State in the offseason and is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Koby Howard

A wide receiver for Penn State who was a true freshman last season and is impressing with his performance during spring practices.

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What they’re saying

“Koby Howard is a name I keep bringing up. What he's been able to put on film over the past couple of practices has been unbelievable. The work I've seen from him since I got here is off the charts.”

— Rocco Becht, Penn State Quarterback

What’s next

As Becht continues to recover from his shoulder injury, the focus will be on how he and Howard develop chemistry and whether Howard can solidify a larger role in the Nittany Lions' offense this upcoming season.

The takeaway

Koby Howard's standout spring performance has caught the attention of Penn State's new starting quarterback, Rocco Becht, who is eager to get on the field and throw to the young wide receiver. This could signal an expanded role for Howard in the Nittany Lions' offense as they look to replace key contributors from last season.