The expectations for Drew Allar surpass the size of the Penn State quarterback himself, which is notable for someone who stands as tall as the star offensive tackle guarding his blindside.
Allar’s pregame warm-ups have impressed many. Although he only played one series in a competitive game as a freshman in 2022, throwing four passes without scoring at Purdue, his performance earned high praise from coaches and teammates. A side-arm throw during the spring game particularly excited Penn State fans.
“He can make throws that very few people on the planet can make,” said Penn State coach James Franklin.
Allar has only thrown 60 passes in college, and a week before the season opener, he had yet to be officially declared the winner of the quarterback competition with Beau Pribula. Despite this, he might be the most important player in college football this season.
The 6-foot-5, 242-pound former five-star recruit has the potential to break the recent Michigan/Ohio State monopoly in the Big Ten and help Penn State reach the College Football Playoff.
Since 2016, Penn State has had the eighth-best winning percentage among Power Five programs (.727) and four 11-win seasons. However, unlike Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Michigan, they have not made the CFP.
While Penn State has had solid quarterback play from Trace McSorley and Sean Clifford, they haven’t had a prospect like Allar since Christian Hackenberg in 2013. Hackenberg started as a freshman, but his development stalled after coach Bill O’Brien left for the NFL, and Franklin took over, resulting in a 14-12 record over the next two seasons.
The trend of insta-star quarterbacks has grown, with several winning the Heisman Trophy in their second college season, including USC’s Caleb Williams and Alabama’s Bryce Young in recent years. Ohio State’s last three quarterbacks—Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud—became Heisman finalists as first-year starters. So why can’t Allar?
“His ball placement is off the charts. He has a cannon for an arm. He’s going to do big things this year,” said Penn State cornerback Kalen King.
Allar’s journey to becoming a top recruit in Medina, Ohio, was unique. Unlike many top prospects who work with personal trainers before high school, Allar’s father, Kevin, a former tight end at Eastern Michigan, guided him. Allar became a quarterback in high school, starting at the end of his sophomore season and throwing for over 500 yards in a playoff loss.
He began training with Brad Maendler in 2020, showing potential despite being raw and still growing. His prospect status soared, attracting offers from top programs. He committed to Penn State and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich in March 2021 and remained committed.
Arriving in Happy Valley with sixth-year senior Clifford as the starter, Allar was prepared to compete and learn. “It was a blessing to have a guy like Sean Clifford in the room,” Allar said. “I don’t think I would have done as well in those games without him.”
Before his first college game, Allar was already drawing attention. “I remember before the Purdue game, Joel Klatt was drooling next to me watching Allar warm up,” Franklin said. Allar played one series at Purdue, completing two passes and showing poise.
Allar played nine more games, mostly when Penn State was winning big, helping the team finish 11-2 with a Rose Bowl victory. Penn State returns key players, including running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and linebacker Abdul Carter, all sophomores like Allar.
“It’s really cool,” Allar said of the hype, “but it’s not just me that people should be excited for.”
Adding a potential first-round NFL draft-pick quarterback like Allar to their foundation could help Penn State move from a great program to an elite one. The Nittany Lions have lost six straight to Ohio State and gone 3-6 against Michigan under Franklin.
Allar’s teammates praise his work ethic, focus, and humility. “If he’s not in the facility, he’s in the room,” said King, a preseason All-American and Allar’s roommate.
Star tackle Olu Fashanu feels responsible for helping Allar manage pressure. “I feel responsible for helping him out, calming him down. Just making sure he knows he doesn’t have to carry all the weight,” said the 6-6, 320-pound preseason All-American.
Yurcich is confident in Allar handling high expectations. “This is what we sold you on. This is what we hoped for. There should be no surprise. It should feel like Christmas morning,” Yurcich said.
