Rocco Becht Leads Iowa State’s Charge Back to Big 12 Glory

The son of former NFL tight end Anthony Becht — and one of the top quarterback recruits Campbell has ever signed — has thrown for more than 3,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. But last year he threw for 3,505 yards, with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also showed instinctive elusiveness i n the pocket, running for 318 yards and eight touchdowns.

By season’s end he and the Cyclones won a program-record 11 games and went to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they won and Becht and Campbell celebrated by eating a humongous Pop-Tart — much like Kansas State coach Chris Klieman and quarterback Avery Johnson did two years ago.

Campbell was impressed by Becht’s progress from quarterback to leader from 2023 to 2024.  

“For him to have the maturity and honestly the leadership to do what he did last year was really special,” Campbell said. “I mean the moments that he was able to play, especially when you look at late in the game, what he was able to do in some critical moments, the ability to extend plays, and make the winning plays was really special.”

Becht enters the season as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the conference. His 6,690 passing yards is fourth most in program history and he will easily pass Austin Arnaud (6,777 yards). There is a good chance he could pass Bret Meyer (9.499 yards) for second all-time. Only Purdy (12,170 yards) is out of reach, assuming Becht heads to the NFL after the season.

His experience will be vital as the Cyclones break in new wide receivers. Both Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel , who had more than 1,000 yards receiving a year ago, are with the Houston Texans.

The program’s success will hinge on how quickly he and his new receivers can gel. Starting a week before everyone else and on foreign soil may not make the task easier.

“It’s the extra reps you get during spring ball,” Becht said. “And during summer workouts, that’s the big thing. You’re getting those extra reps when the coaches aren’t there, getting the timing down, watching film, watching routes. That’s how we’re going to succeed, to meet that standard and rise above it.”

The Cyclones hope Becht, the receivers and the rest of the offense are quick studies on Saturday.