Penn State football's quarterback room doesn't have the ideal depth head coach Matt Campbell would want looking past the 2026 season with senior Rocco Becht on his way out after this year.
Those who can return after next season — redshirt junior Jack Lambert, redshirt freshman Alex Manske, and freshmen Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans — have yet to prove themselves to be reliable starters or even a solid backup to Becht.
Manske, who transferred from Iowa State and followed Campbell to Happy Valley like Becht, was absent in the spring due to an undisclosed injury that required surgery. Campbell was confident that handling the situation then was ideal in order to have him back for the fall.
Having worked with Becht in 2025, Manske is the obvious No. 2 heading into the season, but hasn't gotten the work or reps in necessary to step into that role. Missing the spring was a huge roadblock developmentally for the redshirt freshman, which could derail his success long-term with the Nittany Lions.
Over the weekend, though, Becht had some positive things to say about Manske. The young quarterback had his first appearance publicly with the team, according to Greg Pickel of On3, which is — at the very least — a good sign that Manske is back to work and catching up on missed time.
"He's a light in our quarterback room," Becht described Manske.
NEW: Penn State QB Alex Manske made his first public appearance with the Lions this week after missing spring practice due to an undisclosed procedure.
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) June 27, 2026
Rocco Becht on the redshirt freshman: "He's a light in our quarterback room."
Story: https://t.co/emUonzgRkY pic.twitter.com/OWq0yO5NWs
Rocco Becht says Penn State quarterback Alex Manske is a light in the quarterback room
That's a hopeful message for Becht to share. Especially with quarterback depth concerns and position room concerns beyond the 2026 season, having the senior back Manske is comforting at least.
In 2025, he played in three games and only threw for 33 yards and one touchdown on seven passes. With Becht starting, it's not easy to judge what the former Cyclone can put on tape. Without spring practices and workouts, it's even harder to do so.
Between Campbell, Becht, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, Penn State fans need to trust their judgement.
Whether Manske has serious competition after the 2026 season for the starting role or not, it's important to know that those around him trust him to take that step. Even just a positive mindset heading into the season after going through surgery and recovery during a critical time of his collegiate development is huge.
Manske should be back officially in no time and will have the chance to prove he's the Nittany Lions' solid backup to Becht in 2026 with starting potential beyond.
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