Rocco Becht details his grueling recovery and the mental toll of playing injured, revealing his determined path back to health for Penn State.
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht has been rehabbing his shoulder this offseason after playing through injury with Iowa State in 2025.
Becht transferred to PSU to join head coach Matt Campbell in State College. He's expected to be the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions in his final season at the college level.
How Becht does this season could determine if Penn State will challenge for the College Football Playoff amid a favorable schedule for the program.
In December, Becht had his labrum surgically repaired in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
Becht played through the injury (and a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder) at Iowa State last season, leading the Cyclones to an 8-4 overall record. The quarterback told reporters on Wednesday that his final season in Ames was difficult.
Yeah, it was really hard,” Becht said, via On3. “It was probably the lowest place that I’ve been in my collegiate career, mentally and physically.
"There’s a four-game stretch when we lost those four games that was pretty tough on me. I had to look at my family and some friends and talk to them and kind of get myself out of it.”
Becht's right shoulder has fully healed before spring ball. He's planning to practice as hard as he can for the 15 workouts.
“The process has been going really well,” Becht said. “Shoulders feeling great. Right shoulder fully healthy. And left shoulder is almost there. I’m expecting to be in play time for over half of spring ball.”
Becht threw for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. His best season came in 2024, when he threw for 3,505 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
A healthy Becht could be dangerous for PSU.
While Becht wanted to play through the regular season, he didn't wait until a potential bowl game to get the surgery. He was focused on 2026.
“I felt like it was my responsibility to give them (ISU) everything that I had, and I think it was the right decision to ultimately get my surgery right after the season, instead of waiting to see if we played in a bowl game or not, because I’d be able to be back sooner,” Becht said.
Penn State should appreciate Becht's approach. After losing players in the transfer portal when James Franklin was fired, the new quarterback could save the Nittany Lions’ season.