While the departure of top wide receivers might seem like a setback for Iowa State, it presents a unique opportunity for quarterback Rocco Becht to elevate his game and, in turn, propel the Cyclones into the Big 12 Championship race. Last season, Becht put up impressive numbers, throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, a significant portion of that production went to now-departed NFL-bound receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, who combined for 167 catches, 2,377 yards, and 17 touchdowns. This reliance, while effective, could have inadvertently limited Becht's full development.
Without the safety net of defaulting to his established top targets, Becht will be compelled to progress through his reads more thoroughly and distribute the ball across a broader array of receivers, including new transfers like Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend, and promising tight ends such as Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle. This forced diversification will hone his decision-making, improve his field vision, and ultimately foster greater poise under pressure. As quarterbacks coach Jake Waters noted, Becht is actively working on "processing, getting through reads, things like that where he can take another step." This growth in fundamental quarterbacking will make him a more complete and unpredictable passer.
Iowa State, returning nine starters on offense and with a strong defensive unit, is already seen as an intriguing contender, with Big 12 championship odds around +1200. Becht's enhanced ability to navigate complex defensive schemes and trust his entire receiving corps will make the Cyclones' offense more dynamic and less susceptible to being shut down by simply neutralizing one or two players. This maturation from Becht could be the critical factor that pushes Iowa State from a strong contender to a legitimate Big 12 champion.
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