Few quarterbacks have embodied Penn State’s modern aspirations—and its heartbreaks—the way Drew Allar did.
The former five-star from Medina, Ohio, arrived with a rocket arm and a pro frame, became the face of the program by 2023, and exited the 2025 season with a catastrophic ankle injury that reshaped the entire Big Ten race.
Now, as he prepares for the NFL Draft, we look back at the career of No. 15.
The High School Legend
Allar rewrote Medina High School’s record book, throwing for 9,103 yards and 98 touchdowns. He chose Penn State over Ohio State and Notre Dame because Mike Yurcich promised a scheme that would showcase his arm talent—a promise that yielded mixed results.
The Career arc
2023: The “Safe” Debut
In his first year as a starter, the staff protected him.
- Stats: 2,631 yards, 25 TDs, 2 INTs.
- Analysis: He was historically careful with the football. While critics called it “game managing,” Allar guided Penn State to an 11-2 record and a Peach Bowl appearance.
2024: The Playoff Push
The training wheels came off in 2024. Allar responded with:
- 3,327 Passing Yards
- 24 Touchdowns
- College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance.
- Signature Game: 328 yards and 3 TDs in a primetime win over Michigan.
2025: The Lost Season
Penn State entered 2025 ranked No. 2 nationally. The offense was humming. Then came October 11 vs. Northwestern. In the closing minutes of a tight upset loss, Allar suffered a broken left ankle.
- The Impact: The injury didn’t just end his season; it effectively ended the James Franklin era. Without Allar, the offense collapsed, leading to a 3-9 finish and coaching changes.
Legacy Analysis: By The Numbers
Allar leaves State College as one of the most prolific passers in school history, despite leaving early.
| Category | Career Stat | All-Time Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 7,402 | 4th |
| Passing TDs | 61 | Top 5 |
| Interceptions | 13 | Elite Ratio |
| Completion % | 60%+ | Top Tier |
NFL Outlook: Day 2 Value
Scouts are torn on Allar.
- The Believers see a Josh Allen-lite prototype: 6’5”, 240 lbs, with an arm that can hit any blade of grass.
- The Skeptics see a quarterback who struggles with consistent accuracy and “touch” throws.
Projected Landing Spot: Early 2nd Round to a team that can let him sit for a year (e.g., Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings).
Final Verdict
Drew Allar’s legacy is complicated. He didn’t win the National Championship fans dreamed of. But he stabilized the position, delivered a Playoff win, and represented the university with class. He raised the ceiling of what a Penn State quarterback could look like, paving the way for future recruits. He leaves not as a failure, but as a titan who ran out of time.