When Rocco Bechtfollowed Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State in January, it was clear that the Nittany Lions had just received their starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
Although Becht had a down year statistically, mostly due to a non-throwing arm shoulder injury that was surgically repaired in the offseason, he still passed for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and completed 60.5% of his throws.
In the two seasons prior, Becht surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns each year. A healthy Becht could yield similar numbers in Happy Valley. But it turns out Becht may not be Penn State’s sole signal-caller. Second-year passer Alex Manske has done enough this offseason to earn a shot at valuable snaps.
Penn State to Utilize Two QBs
Rocco Becht and Alex Manske
Manske was a top-25 quarterback recruit out of high school in 2025, per 247Sports. Hailing from Algona, Iowa, the former four-star prospect decided to stay close to home and committed to Iowa State. And like Becht, Manske later followed Campbell to Penn State.
The 6′-3,” 210-pound Manske played just 22 snaps for the Cyclones a season ago. Comparatively, Becht started all 12 games and played over 400 snaps.
Manske may not have played a large role in Taylor Mouser’s offense in 2025, but that could change this season.
“AlexManskyisoneofthemosttalentedguysontheoffense,” Mouser said. “We’renotgoingtobeabletokeephimoffthefieldthisyear. He’sforcedustohavetoplayhim. He’sbeenreallygood,especiallywithgoingthroughwhathedid.”
In March, Manske underwent open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with a dilated aortic root and dilated ascending aorta following a routine echocardiogram after an offseason workout. Had the issue not been resolved, he could have been at an increased risk of an aneurysm or heart rupture — two potentially fatal scenarios.
Following cardiac rehab, Manske returned to throwing in June and appears to be healthy enough to be featured in the offense.
“Alex certainly has deserved the right to be able to get on the field,” Campbell said. “I think even a year ago, if you watched us play, we were able to find ways to get him into the football game and positively impact the football game. Alex does a lot of things well.”
One of Manske’s strengths in particular is his legs. In the limited reps he received last season, Manske rushed seven times for 33 yards and a touchdown.
“Whathebringsasarunner, wecanhavereallyuniquedesignrunstuffwiththatguythatmaybewewouldn’tdo [with Becht],” Mouser said. “NotthatRoccocouldn’tdoit,butnow, especiallywiththenewrules, wecanbringManske inand beabletobeinauniquepersonnelwithextraalignmentandbeabletorunAlexbecausehe’sreallygoodwiththeballinhishands.”
Shades of 2024?
The last time Penn State’s offense consistently featured two quarterbacks was in 2024 when the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Former quarterbacks Drew Allar and Beau Pribula stressed opposing defenses through the air and on the ground. Allar was the primary passer with 24 touchdowns and a career-best 3,327 yards. While Allar also rushed for 302 yards and six scores, Pribula was more of the dual threat with 275 yards and five touchdowns through the air, and 242 yards, four touchdowns and a more efficient 6.4 yards per carry on the ground.
Becht and Manske could pose a similar threat to opposing defenses as soon as this Saturday against Marshall.
Manske’s Time to Shine
Manske was a year-round athlete in high school. Besides football, he also played basketball, baseball and track & field.
In football, Manske passed for 4,933 yards, 49 touchdowns and rushed for 1,414 yards and 27 touchdowns over four years; he averaged nearly a double-double and made the state quarterfinals in basketball as a sophomore; posted a 5-1 record with a 0.325 ERA and 40 strikeouts in baseball; and was a member of a 4×200 relay team that qualified for states.
Manske has the tools to succeed athletically at the college level; he just has to prove it on the field.
Campbell said that figuring out how Manske’s skills can give his team an edge will be part of the game plan each week. But, even if Manske’s number isn’t called often on Saturday, there’s still value in receiving a limited number of snaps early in the season.
“Ithinkthevaluecomesinjustbeingabletoget repsinthestadiuminfrontof110,000people,” Mouser said. ” When you get a guy like that who can go in the game and operate at a high level on that stage, you feel really good.”
It’s tough to tell how many opportunities Manske will get this season, especially after his surgery. But the good news for Penn State is that there’s no rush. With Becht playing in his final season, Manske is set to be his successor in 2027, with eligibility until 2029.
“The more reps that guy gets, that’s going to be the best thing for him,” Becht said. “Inthefuturewhenalltheseniorsaregone, andit’shisteam,he’sgoingtobeabletorockandroll. I’msuperexcitedforhim.”
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