Drew Allar entered his senior season at Penn State as one of college football's most experienced quarterbacks and a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. After leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024, expectations for his final collegiate campaign reached unprecedented heights.
Career Foundation
Born March 8, 2004, in Medina, Ohio, Allar arrived at Penn State as a highly touted recruit with prototypical NFL size at 6-foot-5, 236 pounds. His career statistics place him among Penn State's all-time greats, ranking first in completion percentage (62.9%) and interception percentage (1.19%).
The 2024 season represented Allar's breakout campaign. He completed 262 of 394 passes (66.5%) for 3,327 yards with 24 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He also added 96 carries for 302 yards and six rushing touchdowns, demonstrating mobility that complements his passing ability.
NFL Draft Considerations
Allar faced a difficult decision following the 2024 season: declare for the NFL Draft or return for his senior year. His 2024 performance positioned him as a potential first or second-round pick, and several NFL scouts compared him favorably to elite NFL quarterbacks.
Ultimately, Allar chose to return, citing unfinished business at Penn State. His decision to come back rather than pursue immediate NFL wealth demonstrated commitment to winning a national championship and further developing his game.
Season Opener Performance
In Penn State's 46-11 victory over Nevada to open the 2025 season, Allar looked every bit the experienced, polished quarterback many expect him to be. He completed 22 of 26 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown, an 84.6% completion percentage that showcased excellent command of the offense.
His connection with new USC transfer Kyron Hudson was particularly encouraging. Hudson's zero-drop reliability and Allar's accuracy created an instant chemistry that could prove crucial as the season progresses.
The Oregon Challenge
The September 27 double-overtime loss to Oregon provided a harsh reality check. Allar completed 14 of 25 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns, solid but not spectacular numbers. More importantly, his second overtime interception ended Penn State's comeback hopes and highlighted the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at the highest level.
The performance raised questions about Allar's ability to execute in the most pressure-packed moments. While his fourth-quarter performance helped Penn State erase a 14-point deficit and force overtime, the late interception reminded everyone that development remains ongoing.
Weapons and Supporting Cast
Allar benefits from one of the nation's best supporting casts. The running back duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen provides elite ground game support, allowing Penn State to maintain offensive balance. This rushing attack prevents defenses from focusing exclusively on stopping the pass.
However, the departure of Tyler Warren—the 2024 John Mackey Award winner and first-round NFL Draft pick—removed Allar's most reliable receiving weapon. Warren's 104 receptions for 1,233 yards in 2024 represented a security blanket that Allar no longer possesses.
Senior wide receiver Devonte Ross has emerged as a primary target, demonstrating clutch ability with four catches for 48 yards and both touchdowns in the Oregon game. Kyron Hudson brings experience and reliability from USC, providing another veteran option in the passing game.
Offensive Line Protection
Penn State's offensive line returns significant experience, providing Allar with the protection necessary to execute the offense. In 2024, the unit allowed just 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks over the entire season, exceptional numbers that allowed Allar to develop in rhythm without constant pressure.
Maintaining this protection level against elite Big Ten defensive fronts will be crucial for Allar's success. Against Oregon, the offensive line showed some vulnerabilities, suggesting that performance against top-tier competition requires continued improvement.
Statistical Milestones in Reach
Allar enters the season already ranked among Penn State's career leaders in multiple categories. He ranks third in touchdown passes (53), fifth in completions, and sixth in passing yards (6,302). A strong senior season could push him into the top three in multiple categories.
More importantly, his career completion percentage (62.9%) and interception percentage (1.19%) already stand as school records. Maintaining these rates while increasing volume would cement his legacy as one of Penn State's most efficient quarterbacks ever.
The James Franklin Factor
Head coach James Franklin's track record with quarterback development is well-established. Trace McSorley, Sean Clifford, and now Allar have all thrived under Franklin's guidance, developing from talented recruits into productive college quarterbacks.
Franklin's offensive philosophy emphasizes ball security, explosive plays, and situational execution. Allar's ability to execute this philosophy while adding his own improvisational skills creates a dynamic offense that can attack defenses in multiple ways.
NFL Comparison and Projection
NFL scouts have compared Allar's skill set to former elite quarterbacks, with his size, arm strength, and developing pocket presence drawing favorable evaluations. His 2025 season will determine whether he enters the draft as a first-round pick or slips into later rounds.
A strong finish with improved decision-making in crucial situations could solidify first-round status. Conversely, continued struggles in close games against elite competition might raise concerns about his ability to elevate performance when it matters most.
Big Ten Gauntlet
The path forward includes matchups against some of the nation's best defenses. Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Big Ten opponents present unique challenges that will test every aspect of Allar's game.
His ability to execute against these defenses, particularly in hostile road environments, will determine both Penn State's season success and his own draft positioning. The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format provides multiple paths to the postseason, but only if Allar can lead the offense to consistent production.
Leadership Expectations
As a senior quarterback, Allar serves as the unquestioned offensive leader. His demeanor, work ethic, and preparation set the tone for the entire team. The ability to maintain composure in adversity and rally teammates in challenging moments represents an often-overlooked aspect of quarterback play.
The fourth-quarter comeback against Oregon demonstrated Allar's leadership ability and refusal to quit. However, the second overtime interception also highlighted the need for better decision-making in crucial situations.
The Championship Window
Penn State's championship window with this roster is now. The combination of experienced seniors, talented underclassmen, and favorable schedule alignment creates optimal conditions for a deep playoff run. Allar stands at the center of these aspirations.
His development from talented but inconsistent sophomore to reliable junior represented significant progress. The question for 2025 is whether he can take the final step to elite status, executing at the highest level when games hang in the balance.
Final Thoughts
Drew Allar's senior season represents the culmination of years of development and dedication. He possesses the physical tools, experience, and supporting cast to lead Penn State to a national championship. The question is whether he can elevate his performance in the moments that matter most.
The season opener against Nevada showcased his efficiency and command. The Oregon loss exposed areas requiring improvement. The remaining schedule will determine whether Allar's legacy includes a championship or remains as an excellent career that fell just short of greatness.
For Nittany Lion fans, watching Allar's final season promises both excitement and anxiety. Every pass, every decision, every game matters. The stakes couldn't be higher, and Allar wouldn't want it any other way.