Iowa State Loses Long-Time Quarterback to Transfer Portal

One of the best quarterbacks in Iowa State football's long history is hitting the transfer portal. Like his coach, he's seeking greener and hopefully bigger pastures.

Rocco Becht has been with the Cyclones since 2022. Since then, he's guided the team to multiple winning seasons, starting 39 games, throwing for over 9,000 yards and 64 touchdowns as the team's starter for three seasons. He seamlessly took over the team following the departure of Brock Purdy, who is now the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

READ MORE: Brock Purdy Surprised Polk County Farm Families with Hot Meals

Rocco Becht Says Goodbye to Iowa State:

This weekend, Rocco Becht revealed he would be entering the transfer portal to "pursue new opportunities" for his senior season. Becht's entry into the portal makes him the winningest quarterback to be available during this college football offseason. Becht led Iowa State to a 24-12 record over the course of three seasons plus two bowl wins.

His 9,274 passing yards also put him among one of the most productive quarterbacks available, right behind TCU transfer Josh Hoover, per ESPN.

Becht will forever be etched into Iowa State lore after leading the Cyclones to their first double-digit win season in 2024. He dealt with various injuries during the 2025 campaign, but Iowa State still ended the season with a respectable 8-4 record.

Iowa State Has Officially Entered a Transitional Time:

Iowa State football is going to look very different this year. Earlier this month, long-time Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State. Former Washington State coach Jimmy Rogers was tapped as his replacement, and while he does bring a winning acumen, it's likely to take a couple years for his program to take shape, especially now with the departure of Becht.

READ MORE: What's Next for Iowa State After Matt Campbell Leaves for Penn State?

Find out more about Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht entering the transfer portal on ESPN's website.