Iowa State football QB Rocco Becht to reportedly enter transfer portal

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The new era of Iowa State football will begin with a new quarterback. 

Rocco Becht, who has won 26 games over three years as a Cyclone starter, will be leaving the program for his senior season, he announced on social media Saturday, Dec. 20. According to multiple reports, he will be entering the transfer portal.

It is not an unexpected outcome for Becht or the Cyclones, with coach Matt Campbell leaving Iowa State after a decade to take over at Penn State earlier this month. 

Still, it’s a significant blow to the Cyclones and new coach Jimmy Rogers, who will begin his tenure without the player who has been the face of the team for one of the best three-year stretches in program history. 

“I’ve had meaningful conversations with coach Jimmy Rogers, and I’m confident he will elevate this program to new heights. But after deep consideration, I’ve decided to pursue new opportunities for my senior season,” Becht wrote on social media.

Becht threw for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2025 to lead the Cyclones to an 8-4 season. Iowa State started the year 5-0, suffered a four-game losing streak and then finished the year with three-straight victories before opting out of a bowl game after Campbell’s departure. 

The Florida native threw for 9,274 yards, 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions as a Cyclone. 

His production suffered down the stretch of the 2025 season as he dealt with injuries to both shoulders, and he has already undergone offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. 

More: Iowa State football quarterback Rocco Becht undergoes shoulder surgery

He will likely be among the most sought-after transfers on the market, with Campbell and the Nittany Lions almost certainly to be a suitor. 

Iowa State will have a pair of internal candidates to replace Becht in Alex Manske and Connor Moberly, both of whom have seen snaps behind Becht. Both, though, could also opt to enter the transfer portal as well. The Cyclones could also look to the portal for an experienced QB to bring into the program. 

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football QB Rocco Becht to reportedly enter transfer portal

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