Penn State Nittany Lions football is gearing up for an intriguing season as they plan to deploy two quarterbacks, Rocco Becht and Alex Manske, in their offensive strategy. This decision comes after Becht, who transferred from Iowa State, was expected to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Despite a challenging previous season marred by a shoulder injury, Becht still managed to throw for 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, completing 60.5% of his passes.
Becht's performance in the two seasons prior was impressive, as he surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns each year. A fully recovered Becht could replicate those numbers at Penn State, but the coaching staff has recognized the potential of second-year quarterback Alex Manske, who has shown enough promise this offseason to earn valuable playing time.
Manske, a top-25 quarterback recruit in the 2025 class according to 247Sports, hails from Algona, Iowa. He initially committed to Iowa State before following head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State. Although he played sparingly last season, logging just 22 snaps, Manske's talent and determination have caught the attention of the coaching staff.
“Alex Manske is one of the most talented guys on the offense,” said offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser. “We’re not going to be able to keep him off the field this year. He’s forced us to have to play him. He’s been really good, especially with going through what he did.” Manske faced significant health challenges earlier this year when he underwent open-heart surgery to address a dilated aortic root and ascending aorta. After a successful recovery, he returned to throwing in June and is now poised to contribute to the team.
Coach Campbell echoed the sentiment, stating, “Alex certainly has deserved the right to be able to get on the field. Even a year ago, we were able to find ways to get him into the football game and positively impact the game.” Manske's versatility as a dual-threat quarterback adds a unique dynamic to the Nittany Lions' offense, especially with his ability to run. In limited action last season, he rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries.
The strategy of utilizing two quarterbacks is not new for Penn State. The last time the Nittany Lions effectively featured two signal-callers was in 2024 when they reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. During that season, former quarterbacks Drew Allar and Beau Pribula created a formidable challenge for opposing defenses with their combined skills. Allar threw for 24 touchdowns and over 3,300 yards, while Pribula showcased his dual-threat capability.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their upcoming matchup against Marshall, the combination of Becht and Manske could present a similar threat to defenses. Manske's athletic background as a multi-sport athlete in high school, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track, further underscores his potential to succeed at the collegiate level.
Despite uncertainty about how often Manske will see the field this season, the coaching staff recognizes the importance of getting him experience in front of a large crowd. “The value comes in just being able to get reps in the stadium in front of 110,000 people,” Mouser noted. With Becht in his final season and Manske set to take over as the starting quarterback in 2027, the Nittany Lions are optimistic about their future. Becht himself expressed excitement for Manske's development, stating, “The more reps that guy gets, that’s going to be the best thing for him.”
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