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Does Rocco Becht Follow Matt Campbell to Penn State?
Published:
Matt Campbell is bringing his OC to Happy Valley:
Naturally this has people wondering if Cyclones’ QB Rocco Becht will follow suit. Becht is the son of Drexel Hill native and Bonner alum Anthony Becht, who played a decade in the NFL with the Jets, Bucs, Rams, Cardinals, and Chiefs.
Rocco is a 22-year-old soon-to-be senior who started the last three seasons for ISU, compiling career numbers of 9,272 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, and a 60.7 completion percentage. He’s not a runner per se, but has 19 career TDs on the ground and can really scoot when necessary. He’s 6’1″ and about 210 pounds, so a little on the smaller side, but he throws a nice ball and has a snappy and quick release. Move him outside of the pocket and he can throw on the run as well. He’s pretty tough for his size and will take a hit and will scramble for yards.
Some noted weaknesses are decision making and turnovers. 2025 wasn’t his best year at ISU, and he threw nine interceptions in 12 games, including three against BYU while taking -31 rush yards. But he was good against ranked Miami and Iowa in 2024 and has shown some flashes against good teams.
I’m not totally sure if he fits the profile of a prototypical Big 10 quarterback, but you can do a lot worse. Ethan Grunkemeyer improved a bunch as a lost season progressed, and has multiple years of eligibility remaining, but you never know what he’s thinking and what a new coaching staff is thinking. If they bring Becht in, there’s no transition. Continuity does count for something. We’ll see!
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com