QB
Redshirt Freshman
Ethan Grunkemeyer took over as Penn State's starting quarterback following Drew Allar's season-ending injury on October 11, 2025. Through 8 games (2 starts), he has completed 42 of 67 passes (62.7%) for 346 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. His first start came against Iowa on October 18, where he completed 15 of 28 passes for 93 yards in a 25-24 loss. His second start against #1 Ohio State on November 1 saw him complete 19 of 28 passes for 148 yards and 1 interception in a 38-14 defeat. A redshirt freshman from Dublin, Ohio, Grunkemeyer was a four-star recruit who passed for 8,401 yards and 80 TDs at Olentangy High School. Despite facing immense pressure stepping into a struggling offense mid-season, he provides 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 MoreComplete analysis of Penn State's heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Indiana, including Grunkemeyer's 219-yard performance, Cooper Jr.'s game-winning touchdown with 36 seconds remaining, and the historic significance of Indiana's first-ever Beaver Stadium victory.
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