In the world of college football, things can change quickly. One of Iowa’s biggest rivals is finding that out the hard way.
The Hawkeyes have had some struggles on the court recently with in-state rival Iowa State, losing the final two games of the series. Iowa State had a chance to win both games but struggled down the stretch to win either game. A big reason for Iowa State’s recent series success is the head coaching and quarterback tandem of Matt Campbell and Rocco Becht.
advertise
Now, neither part of the duo will be returning to Ames next season.
Campbell succeeded James Franklin as Penn State’s head coach a few weeks ago. It’s a shocking move for both programs and raises many questions about the future of Cyclones football. Those issues were highlighted Saturday when Becht announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Becht, a three-year starter with the Cyclones, compiled a 2-1 record against the Hawkeyes. In 2025, Becht completed 18 of 27 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in a win over Iowa State. In 2024, he went 23-for-35 for 272 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Kinnick Stadium. Becht always seems to make big plays in key moments against the Hawkeyes.
advertise
Becht will finish his career at Iowa State, completing 60.7 percent of his passes for 9,274 yards and a 64-27 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also had 19 career touchdowns during his time in Ames. Becht has one year of eligibility remaining and can follow his head coach to Happy Valley to become the next Penn State quarterback.
His departure leaves a big hole at quarterback for Iowa State, which will have to go with a new face next September to face the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. If new head coach Jimmy Rodgers doesn’t snag a quarterback in the transfer portal, expect Alex Manske and Connor Moberly to battle for the starting job. Both were freshmen last season and combined for 16 pass attempts in their collegiate careers.
No matter who the quarterback is, the Hawkeyes have a good chance of bringing the Cy-Hawk Trophy home next season in front of a raucous home crowd in Kinnick. With Iowa State without a new head coach and quarterback, the Hawkeyes will need to take advantage of that inexperience. The 2026 Cy-Hawk game will be held on Saturday, September 12 at Kinnick Stadium.
Contact/follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for continued coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football rival quarterback Rocco Becht enters transfer portal