AMES, Iowa – Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list Tuesday, presented annually to the top upperclassman quarterback who is on track to graduate with their class.

Becht was among the top arms in the country last season with 3,505 passing yards, which ranked No. 11 nationally. He threw for 25 touchdowns and added 318 yards and eight scores on the ground.

His on-field play directly translated to the win column as he led Iowa State to its winningest season in program history. The Cyclones won 11 games, made a Big 12 title game appearance and earned a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over No. 15 Miami last season.

The Wesley Chapel, Florida native was at his best when it mattered the most, leading Iowa State on four game-winning drives where ISU took the lead with under 2:00 remaining in the game (at Iowa, UCF, at Utah, vs. Miami). In his career, Becht has led the Cyclones to five wins where ISU trailed in the fourth quarter.

Becht has thrown a touchdown pass in a school-record 18 consecutive games, the nation’s longest active streak entering the 2025 season.

Becht has quarterbacked the Cyclones through one of the most fruitful periods in program history, having helped Iowa State to 18 wins over the last two seasons, the best two-year stretch in ISU history. He is one of two quarterbacks in Iowa State history with multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons (Brock Purdy).

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here. Single-game tickets and mini-packs are also available now.

Becht’s Preseason Honors
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List
Manning Award watch list
Davey O’Brien Award watch list
Maxwell Award watch list
Wuerffel Trophy watch list
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee