By Mark Pszonak
A couple of weeks ago, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar announced that he would be returning for the 2025 season. This came as a surprise to many, considering the quarterback group for the upcoming NFL Draft is considered weak. But is it possible that Allar may already be changing his mind?
Yesterday, Dane Bugler, who is the NFL Draft Analyst for The Athletic, shared some information which will interest many people:
I know Drew Allar "intends" to return to Penn St. in 2025.
But…
There are several NFL GMs who believe Allar could enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong playoff run. Teams are still heavily scouting him for the 2025 class.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 1, 2025
Since announcing his decision to return, Allar has led the Nittany Lions to playoff wins against SMU and Boise State. While he hasn’t been dominant during these games (completing 26 of 47 passes for 298 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions), he has shown qualities that continue to impress NFL general managers.
With at least one more opportunity to further strengthen his NFL resume next weekend against either Georgia or Notre Dame, every game that Penn State plays and wins makes the chance that Allar returns less certain.
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And if he does change his mind, it would leave Penn State in a difficult situation. I mentioned this two weeks ago when backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal (read here). Pribula would be Penn State’s starting quarterback next season, but since entering the portal he has signed with Missouri. With the possibility of not having Allar or Pribula, Penn State would be left with a quarterback room of Ethan Grunkemeyer, Jaxon Smolik, Jack Lambert and Bekkem Kritza, who have combined to attempt two collegiate passes.
Penn State has to hope that Allar makes a final quickly. This would at least give them the opportunity to add some experience through the portal. Most of the star power is already gone though. Waiting until the spring portal window is another option, but the quality of players has proven to be much stronger during the current window.
Penn State should enjoy every second of their current playoff run, but these wins may make their 2025 season much more difficult.
