Penn State QB Drew Allar confirms plans for 2025 ahead of the College Football Playoffs

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is doubling down on his commitment to the Nittany Lions, announcing that he will return for his senior season in 2025.

The decision, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, gives Penn State another year with one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country as they chase a national title.

Drew Allar will return to Penn State for senior season in 2025:

Allar has thrown for 5,869 yards and 50 touchdowns in his Penn State career. This year, he’s led Penn State to the Big Ten title game and a No. 6 seed in the College Football Playoff, as the Nittany Lions will host No. 11 SMU in the first round of the CFP on Dec. 21.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 16, 2024

Drew Allar’s return is a surprising yet monumental win for Penn State. The 6-foot-5, 238-pound junior is already considered a top NFL prospect, with analysts pegging him as the third-best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, behind only Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami). Had Allar declared, he likely would have been a top-10 pick.

By staying, Drew Allar positions himself to become the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, assuming he continues to develop. His size, arm strength, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run give him an NFL-ready skill set that’s only improving.

Drew Allar’s Stats Speak for Themselves

Allar has been a model of consistency during his Penn State career:

• Career Record: 21-5 as a starter.
• 2024 Season: 2,894 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 279 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns.
• NFL-Ready Tools: His arm strength and ability to extend plays in space are complemented by an impressive knack for protecting the football.

Allar’s decision solidifies Penn State’s status as a national title contender for 2025, regardless of how the team performs in this year’s College Football Playoff matchup against SMU. His leadership and talent give the Nittany Lions an edge in recruiting, keeping them competitive in a loaded Big Ten.

Allar’s announcement has already triggered ripple effects. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal over the weekend, likely realizing his path to playing time at Penn State is now blocked for another season.

Backup QB Beau Pribula will enter transfer portal:

pic.twitter.com/3BYi7jtG2m

— Beau Pribula (@beauprib) December 16, 2024

James Franklin on Beau Pribula entering transfer portal:

“Beau Pribula did not want to leave our program and he did not want to leave our program until the end of the season…He felt like he was in a no win situation,”

Franklin answers to the departure of the backup QB pic.twitter.com/1VgUhfE3om

— amanda vogt (@amandav_3) December 16, 2024

Pribula’s decision highlights a flaw in the current transfer rules. With Penn State preparing to host SMU in the College Football Playoff, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Schools are forced to juggle roster management during the most critical part of the season, and key depth players like Pribula leaving can leave teams vulnerable in pivotal moments.

The NCAA might need to reconsider its transfer window timelines to avoid these situations during postseason play.

For now, Allar and the Nittany Lions are locked in on their upcoming playoff matchup, but his decision to return sends a clear message: Penn State’s title window is wide open for the next two years.

Whether the Nittany Lions raise a championship trophy this season or fall short, Allar’s commitment to staying in Happy Valley signals that unfinished business is on the horizon.

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