Quarterback Rocco Becht commits to Penn State football

Becht's transfer decision centered on reuniting with his Iowa State teammates and coach

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Rocco Becht, a quarterback, has decided to transfer from Iowa State to Penn State for his final year of college football. Becht and many of his Iowa State teammates wanted to continue playing together and for their head coach, Matt Campbell, who also joined the Penn State coaching staff.

Why it matters

Becht's transfer is notable as it represents a high-profile player leaving one Power 5 program for another, which is an increasingly common trend in college football. The move also reunites Becht with his former Iowa State teammates and coach, highlighting the importance of existing relationships in a player's decision-making process.

The details

Rocco Becht, the starting quarterback at Iowa State, has decided to transfer to Penn State for his final year of eligibility. Becht and several of his Iowa State teammates wanted to continue playing together, and they were able to do so by following their head coach, Matt Campbell, who left Iowa State to join the Penn State coaching staff.

  • Rocco Becht announced his transfer decision on February 25, 2026.

The players

Rocco Becht

A quarterback who was the starter at Iowa State and has now transferred to Penn State for his final year of eligibility.

Matt Campbell

The former head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, who has now joined the Penn State coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“My main decision was just coming to play for Matt Campbell my final year just because I had already built relationships with some of the guys,”

— Rocco Becht, Quarterback (The Citizens' Voice)

What’s next

Becht will now join the Penn State football team and compete for the starting quarterback job during spring practice and fall camp.

The takeaway

Becht's transfer decision highlights the importance of existing relationships and the desire to play for a familiar coach, even at the highest levels of college football. This trend of players following their coaches to new programs is becoming more common as the transfer portal continues to reshape the sport.