Former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell heading over to Penn State stops the bleeding for the Nittany Lions from the head coach search itself to recruitment failures. However, hiring a head coach that isn't current interim Terry Smith also comes with its downfalls, one of those being the exodus of players that will enter the Transfer Portal.
While many Nittany Lions, like linebacker Tony Rojas, made it clear that they stay representing the blue and white if Smith gets the full-time promotion, there are others whose places are at risk because of those that might follow Campbell to Happy Valley.
Of that group, quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer's spot at Penn State is vulnerable.
Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht is a junior, meaning he has one final year of eligibility remaining after 2025. To rebuild a program, Campbell will want to start off on the right foot, even if that means his starting quarterback isn't there for more than one season. There needs to be a foundation, and why stray from a quarterback Campbell is already familiar with if he wants to join him at Penn State?
Becht has 205 completions on 339 attempted passes in 2025 for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns for a 60.5 completion percentage. He threw nine interceptions and took 21 sacks during the season as well. On the ground, Becht was good for 86 carries and 116 rushing yards with eight additional scores over the 12 games.
For Grunkemeyer, he registered 100 completions for 1,079 passing yards and six touchdowns with a 69.4 completion percentage. He had four interceptions and 11 sacks over his nine appearances in 2025.
Grunkemeyer's performances, particularly as a starter since Week 8, improved game-by-game. He looked like a solid option for Penn State football moving forward, especially considering his extended time of eligibility remaining. Over his sample set of live reps, his growth with the right coaching could be tremendous by the time he enters his final season.
However, Campbell coming into the picture might push Grunkemeyer back in the shadows. With the possibility of Becht following his head coach, Grunkemeyer hasn't done enough to prove he deserves a spot over the Cyclone. This is especially so because Grunkemeyer's weapons are all leaving. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are gone after 2025 as well as wide receivers Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, and Devonte Ross.
Under Campbell and without key starters, Penn State will have to re-identify its offense. If he can build it around Becht, he will.