Injured QB Rocco Becht is ahead of schedule, but won't see live reps this spring. Matt Campbell details the recovery and impact on Penn State's season outlook.
Penn State's season will come down to how Iowa State transfer Rocco Becht plays in 2026.
Becht played through two shoulder injuries last season, finishing with 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Those numbers were down from 2024, when he threw for 3,505 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
In December, Becht had his labrum surgically repaired in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He also played through a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder last season, helping the Cyclones earn an 8-4 record.
During his news conference on Tuesday, PSU head coach Matt Campbell provided an update on Becht, saying the quarterback was "ahead of schedule" but would not get live reps during the team's 15 practices this spring.
“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, via the Daily Collegian. “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."
Penn State can't rush Becht back to the field too quickly. The Nittany Lions need him at full strength when training camp starts this summer.
With a generous schedule in 2026, PSU has a chance to make the College Football Playoff if they win two out of three games against USC, Michigan and Washington.
When talking to reporters this spring, Becht said that it was hard physically and mentally to play through the shoulder injuries. He said the recovery process was going smoothly in the winter.
“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.”
With Becht limited at practice, the team could see Alex Manske earn more reps during live drills this spring. He could become Becht's successor for the 2027 campaign.
Penn State has high hopes for Manske, who went 4-of-5 passing for 28 yards at Iowa State last season. He and Becht decided to transfer to State College when Campbell took the job with the Nittany Lions.