Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Matt Campbell refuses to bench Rocco Becht despite criticism.
The Penn State football program is not planning to move on from starting quarterback Rocco Becht. Head coach Matt Campbell rejected the idea of a demotion after a loss to Michigan.
That response comes after Becht was publicly trashed by a teammate’s father on social media.
Becht has been Campbell’s signal caller for four seasons. He’s struggled with his move from Iowa State to the Big Ten. Calls for his job have been loud. Campbell refuses to demote the passer.
Rocco Becht was criticized by a parent.
Running back Quinton Martin Jr.’s dad, Quinton Sr., voiced his frustration with Becht’s performance after a 21-18 loss to the Wolverines. In the game, the quarterback threw a pair of third quarter interceptions that allowed Michigan to pull away. He also fumbled in the fourth quarter with his team trailing by three.
The Nittany Lions scored just three points in the first half but still held a 3-0 halftime lead. Becht’s turnovers led to 21 Michigan points. He was outplayed in the second half by his freshman counterpart, Tommy Carr.
On paper, Becht’s numbers aren’t bad. He’s averaging 237 yards per game with 12 touchdowns in seven starts. His performance in league action leaves a lot to be desired, though, and his giveaways have been costly.
The signal caller’s thrown five interceptions. All have come in conference play, where he’s thrown just three touchdowns. Penn State is 0-4 against Big Ten foes. Fans are over it.
One of his most vocal critics was his teammate’s father. Quinton Martin Sr. blasted Becht and the coaching staff in a series of online posts last weekend.
“This kid is just not good, 5yrs in college and he tries to throw to the far hash, he doesn’t have the arm strength, the height (why a lot of his throws get batted down at the line) and sad to say doesn’t have the IQ. He just isn’t it. Oh, and BTW my son only got 2 carries yesterday…”
Many want to see backup Alex Manske given an opportunity. He’s a former four-star recruit that’s waited patiently behind Becht at both Iowa State and Penn State. Matt Campbell isn’t ready to give him a chance.
Matt Campbell won’t pull the plug.
Matt Campbell on Rocco Becht:
“I firmly believe this: we wouldn’t even be in the position where we’re at right now to succeed in these football games if we didn’t have Rocco Becht.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) October 20, 2026
The head coach continues to support his veteran passer amid the struggles. He rejected the notion of a replacement with a refusal to make a change under center.
Rocco Becht’s leash does not appear to be short. He will be the Penn State quarterback moving forward.
The Nittany Lions will have a week off to recalibrate after losing their first four conference games. They’ll next host Purdue on Halloween. Expect Becht to be in the starting lineup.