Penn State signed one veteran quarterback from Iowa State to start in 2026, and the young signal caller who joined him may be the face of the future.
A three-year starter for the Cyclones, Rocco Becht will be PSU’s first starting quarterback not named Drew Allar to start a season since 2022.
Alex Manske could be next in line.
A redshirt freshman transfer and former four-star recruit, Manske transferred to Penn State to rejoin Matt Campbell and plenty of former Iowa State players.
As Penn State continues its spring practice window, the program is without talented 6-foot-3, 217-pound QB.
Manske will miss all of spring ball due to an injury that required an offseason procedure, first reported by Blue-White Illustrated last week.
Campbell spoke about Manske’s absence Tuesday.
“Obviously we feel for Alex,” Campbell said. “It’s kind of something he’s been dealing with, but we felt it was best to get it taken care of now so we could get him back ready for fall camp.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, who served as Iowa State’s QB coach for two seasons, told the media that Manske isn’t with the team in Happy Valley during his portion of his recovery.
Manske is at home in Iowa, but is still in constant communication with the team.
“Alex is doing great,” Waters said. “I talk to him every day. He’s in great spirits. He’s itching to get back here. We Zoom him in on every meeting.”
Iowa is an hour behind State College. Waters said if Penn State has an early meeting, the staff will record and send it to Manske so he doesn’t miss out.
Manske completed four-of-five passes for 28 yards against South Dakota in his first career game Aug. 30, but didn’t throw another pass. Manske also rushed for 33 carries on seven attempts spanning three games.
Penn State will conclude spring practice with Blue-White Weekend at Beaver Stadium April 25.
