Iowa State Quarterback Rocco Becht Enters Transfer Portal

Iowa State may soon be searching for a new quarterback, as redshirt junior Rocco Becht officially announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Becht, who has been the Cyclones’ starter for the past three seasons, shared a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for his time in Ames and pride in representing the program.

Becht joined Iowa State in 2022 and became the starting quarterback in 2023. Over his tenure, he amassed 9,274 passing yards with 64 passing touchdowns, added 499 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, and completed 60.7% of his passes. His departure leaves a significant leadership and production gap for the Cyclones heading into the 2026 season.

Recently, Becht underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing arm. Reports indicate he is expected to be fully healthy well before the start of next season, which makes him an attractive option for programs seeking experienced quarterbacks in the portal.

He will join a deep pool of talent entering the transfer portal, including names like Beau Pribula, Drew Mestemaker, DJ Lagway, and Dylan Raiola. With the window opening January 2 and closing January 16, significant quarterback movement is expected across college football.

1. Becht’s Iowa State Career

Becht became the Cyclones’ starter in 2023 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the offense. Over three seasons as the primary signal-caller, he demonstrated versatility as both a passer and a runner, balancing an effective aerial attack with contributions on the ground. His career totals—over 9,200 passing yards and 64 touchdowns—place him among the program’s top quarterbacks in recent history. Becht also recorded 499 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, showing an ability to make plays outside the pocket when necessary. Beyond statistics, Becht’s leadership was evident both on and off the field. His experience in high-pressure situations helped stabilize the Cyclones’ offense and guided younger players through challenging games. His decision to transfer reflects a desire to seek new opportunities while leaving Iowa State on positive terms. In his statement, Becht emphasized pride in his time with the program and gratitude for the chance to develop as a quarterback and leader.

2. Transfer Portal Context

Becht enters a crowded transfer portal, where he is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks available. Programs across the country will evaluate his combination of experience, leadership, and recent health clearance, making him a highly sought-after option. Other notable quarterbacks entering the portal include Beau Pribula, Drew Mestemaker, DJ Lagway, and Dylan Raiola. Competition for top transfers is expected to be intense during the portal window, which runs from January 2 through January 16, 2026. For Becht, the timing of his entry is strategic. Being healthy after labrum surgery allows him to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming season and provides potential landing spots for teams in need of an experienced starter. The portal has become a major avenue for player movement in college football, giving athletes like Becht flexibility to find programs that match their goals while allowing teams to address immediate roster needs.

3. Iowa State’s Quarterback Outlook

With Becht departing, new Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers faces decisions at the quarterback position. True freshman Alex Manske and redshirt freshman Connor Moberly could compete for the starting role, but neither has yet established themselves as a proven starter at the collegiate level. Rogers may also explore options within the transfer portal, seeking an experienced quarterback to stabilize the offense. Becht’s departure highlights the challenge of balancing internal development with the potential to bring in seasoned talent. The Cyclones’ approach will likely combine evaluation of returning players with a careful search for portal options. Success at quarterback will be critical for a team looking to compete in the Big 12 under new leadership. Ultimately, Iowa State will enter spring practice with a quarterback position in flux, navigating the balance between developing young talent and potentially adding an experienced transfer to the mix.