By Michael GallagherShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberIt took longer than most likely expected, but the Penn State Nittany Lions finally found a new head coach.
The school poached Matt Campbell from Iowa State after failed attempts to land much bigger fish like Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and BYU’s Kalani Sitake, but Campbell’s connections may play into PSU’s favor in landing one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Penn State is a team to keep an eye on for former Iowa State signal-caller Rocco Becht.
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“Rocco Becht informed Iowa State officials on Saturday morning of his intentions to enter the portal,” Nakos wrote. “The early school to watch is clearly Penn State. It’s where his former head coach, Matt Campbell, offensive coordinator, Taylor Mouser, and quarterbacks coach, Jake Waters, are all at now. Becht is also expected to evaluate other options.”
Becht’s history with Campbell may just be the deciding factor in his commitment.
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In three-plus seasons under Campbell with the Cyclones, Becht threw for 9,274 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. He compiled a 26-13 record as a starter, leading Iowa State to an 11-3 record and Pop Tarts Bowl win over Miami in 2024.
Becht would be a solid replacement for former five-star QB Drew Allar, who suffered a season-ending injury back on Oct. 11. Allar, who was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft before his injury, threw for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in four seasons in Happy Valley.
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