This year’s coaching carousel has seen numerous twists and turns. Many have discussed what a coach can bring to a vacant position. But what about the players, who make decisions about their careers with coaches in mind? As rumors grow around Matt Campbell at Iowa State, star QB Rocco Becht is not exactly at ease.

Matt Campbell’s 10 season at Iowa State hasn’t exactly gone to plan. It’s also been tough on QB Rocco Becht, who was expected to be even better in his 3 season as QB1. Amid this, he now has to worry about Campbell potentially being hired away by Arkansas. Becht’s father, Anthony, shared a Lane Kiffin clip about today’s generation not being worried about these changes.

Kiffin said at a November 24 press conference, “They (players) don’t think the traditional way. That was years ago, about their coach and what’s gonna go on with him next year. That’s not how they think anymore.”

“I would strongly disagree….,” The elder Becht wrote on X.

Anthony would know, since he’s a coach himself with the St. Louis Battlehawks. A coach leaving leaves an immediate impact on the ongoing recruiting. Some may have picked the program because so-and-so coach is there. Plus, moving away would mean the established system would also no longer be as efficient. Rocco Becht is in his junior year and still has one more year of eligibility. He will need that extra time, considering how problematic 2025 has been. Becht has trained under Campbell his whole career.

Rocco Becht took a brutal hit to the head in the Cincinnati game, and his game has been off ever since. The QB has suddenly become extremely inaccurate, as his completion rate dipped below 65% after that game. Even though the Cyclones defeated TCU, it was the worst night for Becht this season. He completed only nine of his 24 passes, throwing for 111 yards, one TD, and one pick. The drop in production is a major obstacle for the QB’s future, who was regarded as one of the most underrated draft prospects.

With Matt Campbell being a priority target for Arkansas, things might not bode so well. He is reportedly one of the top candidates for the role. And, with Fayetteville close to locking down their pick, St. Ames will definitely be more anxious than usual.

Arkansas nearing decision on next HC

Matt Campbell has been at St. Ames for a whole decade. He’s been a prolific head coach in general and is no stranger to poaching offers. Campbell clearly has a loyalty to ISU, which is why he’s been here this long. He hasn’t addressed the Arkansas rumors specifically, but based on the momentum the search is at, it should worry Rocco Becht.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel said on The Paul Finebaum Show’s Nov. 21 episode that the Razorbacks are in the “final stages” of their coaching search. An announcement could come this weekend. Other reported targets are Alex Golesh, Eric Morris, Will Stein, and Jon Sumrall. With Matt Campbell in the mix, Arkansas seems to be going for a safe yet productive candidate. The ISU coach outshines all of them when it comes to experience.

If Rocco Becht stays on for the next season, his coach will be under pressure to send him out as a good prospect. The QB’s growth so far has come under Matt Campbell, and he has built a longstanding relationship with him. He will definitely want to close out his CFB chapter under his guidance. But if Campbell leaves for the more attractive SEC job, Becht will have to prepare for a massive change.