Rocco Becht, QB vs #17 Kansas State 2025
Player: Rocco Becht, QB, Iowa State
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs
Class: Junior - 2026 Draft Eligible
Opponent: #17 Kansas State
Year: 2025
Final Stat Line:
14/28, 183 Pass Yards, 2 Pass TD, 1 FUM Lost
12 Rushes, 18 Rush Yards, 1 Rush TD
Game Overview
Against a ranked Kansas State defense, Rocco Becht’s performance was a blend of high-value scoring plays and costly mistakes. He accounted for all three Iowa State touchdowns — two through the air and one on the ground — showing touch on deep throws and functional mobility in key moments. However, a first-half sack fumble flipped field position and underscored the need for quicker recognition and better ball security under pressure. The game told a full story of resilience: early success, a mid-game setback, and a strong finish to keep Iowa State competitive.
Film Breakdown – Key Plays
#1) 3:33 in the 1st. 1st & 10 – 23 Yard TD Pass
From the shotgun, Becht executes a quick play-action fake and takes a short drop. He sets his feet immediately and fires down the sideline into the end zone, placing the ball perfectly over the top to his receiver, who extends to make the grab. Ideal ball placement — just far enough to clear the defender, just close enough for his WR to haul it in.
#2) 14:05 in the 2nd. 3rd & 9 - Sack Fumble
Kansas State sends a blitz, and Becht’s reaction comes too late. He’s careless with the football, not tucking it as he tries to stand tall, and the rusher strips it free. K-State recovers, halting an Iowa State drive and giving them prime field position. A costly lapse in awareness and ball security.
#3) 7:56 in the 2nd. 1st & 10 - 8-Yard Scramble
Kansas State brings pressure with a free rusher. Becht sidesteps the initial threat, escapes the pocket, and finds open space. He takes off and wisely dives down to avoid a big hit after picking up eight yards. Shows pocket awareness, functional mobility, and smart decision-making at the end of the run.
#4) 1:13 in the 3rd. 3rd & 7 - 24 Yard TD Pass
Again from the shotgun, Becht drops back and feels subtle pressure. He calmly sidesteps in the pocket to buy an extra beat, then launches down the sideline for a jump ball. His receiver goes up and wins it, coming down for the touchdown. A great example of Becht trusting his WR in single coverage and putting the throw where his guy had a chance to make a play.
#5) 6:46 in the 4th. 2nd & Goal - 6 Yard TD Rush
Out of an empty set, Iowa State dials up a designed QB run. Becht takes off to his right, patiently following his blockers until a lane opens. Once it does, he accelerates and slips through cleanly for the score. Shows awareness in following the blocking scheme and enough burst to finish the run untouched.
Conclusion
Becht’s night against Kansas State was a microcosm of a developing quarterback — flashes of high-level execution mixed with teachable mistakes. The sack fumble was a momentum swing in favor of the Wildcats, but he responded by extending plays with his legs and continuing to attack downfield. His red zone efficiency, both passing and rushing, kept Iowa State within striking distance throughout the game.
Overall Impression
This was a balanced showcase of Becht’s strengths and growth areas. He has the touch to drop passes in over coverage, the composure to work the pocket under light pressure, and the mobility to turn broken plays into positive gains. At the same time, his ball security and blitz recognition need sharpening to limit costly turnovers against top-tier opponents. If he can tighten those areas while maintaining his scoring efficiency, Becht has the tools to be more than just a steady starter — he could become a quarterback capable of swinging games in Iowa State’s favor.