The Scarlet and Gray

[toysoldier00]

Campbell Brings His Quarterback With Him: Rocco Becht Transfers From Iowa State to LSU

by: Tyson Montgomery - January 2, 2026 - TyMontOn3



LSU’s new era under Matt Campbell is bringing an immediate dose of familiarity to Baton Rouge.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is transferring to LSU to play his final season of eligibility in 2026, giving Campbell an experienced, system-ready starter as he begins his first year leading the Tigers. Becht, who served as the engine of Campbell’s offense in Ames, gives LSU a proven option at the position after senior Garrett Nussmeier exhausted his eligibility, and as the Tigers prepare to bring along their future.

LSU signed five-star quarterback Thomas Hammer on Signing Day, but the freshman was never expected to be handed the job from day one. Becht’s arrival creates a clean bridge plan for Campbell: lean on a veteran quarterback in Year 1, then turn the offense over to Hammer in Year 2.

Becht completed 254-of-429 passes last season for 3,260 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions, adding four rushing touchdowns as well. His production and poise were central to Iowa State’s offense, and they now become foundational pieces for Campbell as he assembles LSU’s roster in a hurry.

Becht wasn’t the only Cyclone to follow Campbell south. Running back Abu Sama III and wide receiver Chase Sowell also committed to LSU on Thursday, giving the Tigers a ready-made veteran trio to build around. Sowell was Iowa State’s leading receiver last season, catching 82 passes for 1,094 yards and three touchdowns, while Sama added a physical element to the run game with seven rushing touchdowns as a power back.

The additions address two of Campbell’s most immediate needs: stabilizing the quarterback room and surrounding the new starter with trusted production. For LSU, which is navigating a coaching transition while trying to keep pace in an unforgiving SEC, the move represents a fast track toward offensive continuity, and a head start on implementing Campbell’s identity.

With Becht set to run the show, and Hammer waiting in the wings, LSU’s quarterback timeline for the next two seasons is suddenly clear.

[toysoldier00]

Ohio State Backup QB Lincoln Kienholz Enters Transfer Portal
By Zachary Anderson on January 2, 2026


Kienholz, who lost out a QB Battle with Julian Sayin, will be one of the more highly sought after back up QBs in America.



Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is entering the transfer portal, ending his time in Columbus after serving as Julian Sayin’s primary backup this season. Kienholz has one year of eligibility remaining and will immediately become one of the more intriguing quarterback options available for Power Four programs looking for an experienced, ready-to-play addition.

While Kienholz challenged Sayin for the starting job and lost, his value around the program was clear: he was trusted as the No. 2, prepared weekly as if he might be called upon, and handled limited game action with poise. In mop-up duty last season, Kienholz completed 19 of 24 passes for 194 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, a stat line that reflected efficient decision-making and a willingness to take what defenses gave him.

Those opportunities were always going to be scarce behind Sayin, who cemented himself as the face of Ohio State’s offense, but Kienholz’s departure still matters in the broader roster math of portal season. Backup quarterbacks are currency in modern college football, and Kienholz has enough live reps, and enough belief in his upside inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, to draw interest beyond “depth” conversations.

For Ohio State, the move is a reminder of the new normal: even a well-regarded backup with tangible upside is unlikely to wait behind an entrenched starter. For Kienholz, it’s a chance to find a destination where his next snaps aren’t limited to the fourth quarter.

From	Pos	Name	Stats	Committed To
	QB	Lincoln Kienholz	19/24, 194 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 57 Snaps

 

[djp73]

need the cinema of Kienholz going somewhere and beating y'all

[Captain Canada]

Figured Kienholz would be outta here. Hopefully Tavien holds the line and is loyal to staying a Buckeye. Not that attracting another 5-star QB virtuoso would be too difficult.

[Caesar]

Becht doesn't give us confidence. Hopefully that frosh has high dev.

[Soapy]

waiting on the rest of the playoff outcomes