After a program-record 11 victories last year, Iowa State entered 2025 with a few question marks after losing top receiving tandem Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to the NFL Draft. That part of the Cyclones’ offense remains a question mark for another week. But Rocco Becht provided his own answers with his response to those departures.
Victimized by drops early, Becht responded to complete 14 of 28 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He also shook off four early sacks and ran for the 7-yard go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. But in the play of the day, Becht’s poise to find Hansen on fourth down tipped the game in Iowa State’s favor.
When asked why he had the confidence to call that fourth-down pass, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell told ESPN’s Taylor McGregor, “Our quarterback gives me a lot of confidence, and he’s a great football player.”
The Cyclones’ toughness was apparent last year with a 5-1 record in one-score games. With Becht’s leadership, Iowa State will remain a tough out this season.