Well, there it is. Rocco Becht is officially heading for the portal, and Iowa State just lost the one guy who gave them any real shot at stability heading into 2026. Becht informed the coaching staff he’s out, and now the Cyclones have to figure out what they even are without the guy who’s been under center for 26 wins.
That number is very significant. Becht’s 26 career wins will be the most of any active quarterback in college football next season. Let that sink in. There’s not another guy in the country with a better win total, and Iowa State just lost him. Whether that’s about NIL, coaching changes, or just wanting a fresh start, the end result is the same: they’re in a world of hurt.
It’s been one domino after another ever since Matt Campbell left, and this one might be the heaviest yet. Jimmy Rogers stepped into a tough spot, sure, but it’s becoming clearer by the day that he’s having a hell of a time keeping the roster together. Staff is gone. Starters are leaving. And now the face of the program just hit the exit.
And look, the portal is wild. Everyone loses players, but when a proven quarterback with multiple years of dominance decides to dip after winning as much as he has? That’s not a “kids these days” thing. That’s a “what’s going on in that building” thing.
Becht will have no shortage of suitors. He’s accurate, composed, and knows how to win. Matt Campbell could be an option at Penn State, but they certainly won’t be the only interested party.
As for Iowa State, they’ve got a mess on their hands. This isn’t just about replacing a player. It’s about figuring out who wants to be part of what’s next.
