Penn State football experienced a mass exodus of players to the Transfer Portal with the program's new era underway led by head coach Matt Campbell. While players filed out, though, Campbell quickly filled the holes.
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ESPN's Craig Haubert ranked the Nittany Lions' Transfer Portal class sixth in the nation, emphasizing how important it was for Campbell to attack the portal due to the amount of current players leaving (both to the NFL Draft and the portal) and the lacking Class of 2026 coming in.
Ranking above the Nittany Lions were LSU, Texas Tech, Indiana, and Ohio State.
"He won't have trouble establishing culture and identity in State College," Haubert wrote. "Penn State's new coach brought nearly two dozen transfers with him from Iowa State as he assembled a portal class approaching 40 players during a dizzying stretch of roster movement."
Some of the key players Campbell brought in were Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, Ohio State running back James Peoples, Iowa State wide receiver Chase Sowell, UCLA defensive lineman Keanu Williams, and tight end Benjamin Brahmer.
ESPN labels quarterback Rocco Becht the "headliner" of Penn State's sixth-ranked Transfer Portal class
Even with a massive Transfer Portal class coming in, Haubert picked out one that stands out above the rest: Becht.
The Nittany Lions had no starting quarterback, even with four-star Peyton Falzone from the Class of 2026 coming in. Drew Allar, Ethan Grunkemeyer, and Jaxon Smolik were finished after the 2025 season due to eligibility (Allar) and opting to enter the portal (Grunkemeyer and Smolik).
Becht's departure from the Cyclones was anticipated, specifically with the intent on him following Campbell to Happy Valley for his final collegiate season. This level of experience as a starter at the Division I level is critical for Campbell to build on for the future. Falzone and Alex Manske (another former Iowa State quarterback) having that role model to learn under in 2026 can solidify the quarterback room, ensuring there are no bumps in the road after Becht's college career finishes.
"Becht is the nucleus of the group," Haubert wrote."He started 39 games for Campbell at Iowa State and Penn State will entrust the offense to him, including checks at the line, because he's a quick processor who is also comfortable using his mobility to extend plays when protection breaks down."
Haubert gave nods to safety Marcus Neal Jr., who also followed Campbell to Penn State, and Peoples.