Spring football is testing the depth of Penn State's quarterback room with Rocco Becht limited and Alex Manske recovering from surgery.
Matt Campbell playing LB at Penn State practice will make fans love him even more
On Thursday during practice, Mark Wogenrich of Penn State on SI noted the amount of work each quarterback was getting in, specifically mentioning Connor Barry. Barry transferred to Penn State from Division III Christopher Newport in January.
Some drill work with Penn State QBs (in order) Connor Barry, Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans.
— Mark Wogenrich (@MarkWogenrich) April 9, 2026
OC Taylor Mouser said Barry, a D3 transfer, has been “living” in the team’s Quarterback Lab. pic.twitter.com/kkC8zA1bHN
Penn State quarterback Connor Barry stands out at spring practice as potential backup to Rocco Becht
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser reportedly said that the senior is "'living' in the team's [q]uarterback lab," per Wogenrich.
Becht is Mouser and head coach Matt Campbell's starter. There's no doubt about that. However, that backup spot is up for grabs. Even with Manske coming over from Iowa State as well, his absence from the spring season due to his recovery from an undisclosed injury opens the doors for others to make a case for themselves, Barry included.
Barry told Lions247 that quarterbacks coach Jake Waters even said that the former Division III passer has a opportunity to compete for that second-string role at the time of his commitment.
With Manske's situation unknown aside from the fact that he's not getting in those critical reps during the spring season, Barry might be the perfect backup to Becht. The rest of the Nittany Lions' quarterback room consists of true freshmen Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans.
Even at a Division III level, Barry brings on field experience. When compared to the others in that position room, any experience gives him a leg up on the competition. Barry set school records in 2025 for the Captains in passing yards with 2,866 and touchdowns with 35. He also provides a veteran presence in an otherwise young quarterback room aside from Becht.
If Barry continues growing throughout the spring, him sliding into that second-string quarterback role is almost certain. Even if he and Manske fight for that spot as the regular season gets closer, Barry already has a good edge in the competition with how he has performed early on for Penn State.