Penn State football quarterback Rocco Becht continues to receive high expectations for the upcoming season.

The Iowa State transfer was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List, the award announced on Wednesday.

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist

Presented annually to college football’s most outstanding upperclassman quarterback@RoccoBecht pic.twitter.com/RC2esJq8eE

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 19, 2026

Named after legendary NFL quarterback Johnny Unitas, the prestigious award is given annually to college football’s best upperclassman quarterback.

The award values not only on-field performance but also the character, integrity, citizenship, and scholastic excellence of players who embody the values of the game.

Only 27 quarterbacks are featured on the preseason watch list, recognizing their in-field talent, character, and leadership.

Former winners of the collegiate award include NFL stars such as Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Andrew Luck, but no Nittany Lion has ever won it.

Becht comes to Happy Valley as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football. No returning FBS quarterback has played more games or won more games than the Nittany Lion gunslinger.

With a 26-13 record as a starter, his 2,509 career snaps include leading Iowa State to its first-ever 11-win season and a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2024.

Becht ranks second among FBS quarterbacks with nearly 9,300 passing yards and 64 touchdowns.

He and the Nittany Lions begin their season on Saturday, September 5, as the Marshall Thundering Herd come to Beaver Stadium for a 3:30 kickoff.