QB
Redshirt Freshman
Ethan Grunkemeyer took over as Penn State's starting quarterback following Drew Allar's season-ending injury on October 11, 2025. The redshirt freshman has started five games (Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska) with a 2-3 record. Against Nebraska on November 22, he completed 11-of-12 passes for 181 yards and 1 TD, achieving a 91.7% completion percentage—becoming the first Penn State QB to complete 90%+ of passes on 10+ attempts since Todd Blackledge in 1981 (44 years). On November 15, he earned his first career victory in Penn State's 28-10 win over Michigan State, completing 8-of-13 for 127 yards including a 75-yard TD to Devonte Ross. Through 11 games as starter and backup, he has completed 62+ throws for 1,051 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs. A four-star recruit from Dublin, Ohio, Grunkemeyer has provided hope for the program's future under interim head coach Terry Smith.
Ethan Grunkemeyer has stepped into the spotlight as Penn State's starting quarterback following Drew Allar's season-ending injury. A former four-star recruit from Dublin Coffman High School in Ohio, Grunkemeyer brings intelligence, poise, and athletic ability to the position. After redshirting in 2024, he has shown significant growth in relief duty and as the starter during the 2025 season. He made his first career start against Iowa on October 18, 2025, under interim head coach Terry Smith, marking the beginning of a new era for Penn State football.
Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer delivered his best performance yet against Indiana, throwing for 219 yards in the narrow 27-24 loss. The young quarterback's development offers hope for Penn State's future amid a challenging 2025 season.
Read MoreRedshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer made his first career start against Iowa on October 18, 2025, completing 15 of 28 passes for 93 yards in a 25-24 loss. Thrust into the spotlight after Drew Allar's season-ending injury, Grunkemeyer must learn on the fly against elite Big Ten competition.
Read MoreIn less than seven weeks, interim head coach Terry Smith transformed Penn State from a 3-6 team in crisis to a squad one win away from bowl eligibility. We analyze how Smith's fundamentals-first approach, Ethan Grunkemeyer's emergence, and the team's two-game winning streak have created one of college football's most improbable turnarounds in 2025.
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