Injuries sideline top Penn State two quarterbacks, forcing an unexpected starter. Head coach Matt Campbell provides an outlook for the critical summer ahead.
It was known before spring practices began that Iowa State transfer quarterback Rocco Becht was not going to be available for Penn State's live drills as he recovers from two shoulder injuries he suffered in 2025.
Becht is expected to be the starting quarterback at PSU this fall, and he's been on the field throwing during spring practice.
Backup quarterback and ISU transfer Alex Manske was expected to use the spring as an opportunity to get more reps with the first team. He's expected to be Becht's successor for 2027.
However, Manske has not been practicing this spring due to an undisclosed injury.
On Tuesday, PSU head coach Matt Campbell provided an update on Manske, telling reporters the quarterback is expected to return for training camp this summer.
With Manske out, the team is turning to senior quarterback Connor Barry.
“(It’s) something he’s been dealing with, but we felt it was the best to get it taken care of now so we can get him back ready for fall camp,” Campbell said, via PennLive.
“I think in all of those situations, there’s a silver lining. And I think Connor [Barry] getting those quality reps, some of these young guys getting the opportunity to get in and execute the offense, has been really positive.”
Last week, Campbell provided a positive timeline for Becht to return this summer, noting he's ahead of schedule in his recovery.
“I think Rocco is a little bit ahead of schedule, in terms of physically. He was able to get out and do some drill work,” Campbell said. “I think the biggest thing for him is he won't get live reps.
"But I think things like 7-on-7, three over two routes on air."
Obviously, it's less than ideal for Penn State to be without its top two quarterbacks for the spring, especially given that these are the first practices being run by Campbell's new staff.
That could put the Nittany Lions offense considerably behind when training camp starts. It will take some time for Becht to get on the same page with his receivers and offensive line.