Can't Wait For Saturday Is the grass greener in Happy Valley than Ames? Penn State quarterback will soon find out
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Jul. 3—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
That doesn't come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, a guy who followed his coach to the Big Ten.
Rocco Becht, Penn State quarterback
In a league loaded with Heisman candidates, the former Iowa State standout certainly belongs.
In parts of four seasons with the Cyclones, the Florida native started 39 games, making him one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country. Just as important, he led his team to 26 victories at a place where wins can be hard to come by,
The son of former NFL tight end Anthony Becht followed coach Matt Campbell to State College. So did a bunch of his teammates, with a half-dozen or so expected to start.
There won't be that awkward transition for Becht that most transfer quarterbacks experience. He knows everybody.
After a pair of 3,000-plus yard seasons to start his career, Becht's numbers dipped a bit in 2025. Still, he has thrown for more than 9,000 yards in his career with 64 touchdowns. He has run for another 19.
Becht will need to get used to the increased expectations from his fan base. Penn State rooters want their team in the College Football Playoff, which was certainly part of the draw for the quarterback.
He is taking a step up in competition with games against Southern California, Michigan and Washington/
But good news: the Nittany Lions don't play the league's Big Three" Indiana, Ohio State or Oregon. That should help.
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