With the College Football Playoff underway and the Nittany Lions securing key victories, the spotlight is on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar and his future. Recently, Allar announced he would return for the 2025 season, opting to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft, but some NFL general managers remain unconvinced of his commitment. According to The Athletic's draft analyst Dane Brugler, Allar's performance could change the minds of scouts and GMs already captivated by his talent.
Allar's 2024 season has been nothing short of stellar. He completed 68.5% of his passes, thrown for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns, and recorded seven interceptions, leading Penn State to impressive victories, including their recent 38-10 triumph over SMU. This performance has had Brugler noting, "If Drew went to the draft right now, he would probably be drafted somewhere in the 15 to 50 range. It's all about where he fits for teams, but he has certainly showcased his tools and talent."
Brugler added, "There’s no question Drew has the chance to be QB1. He’ll be a three-year starter after next year, and other quarterbacks in the draft won’t be able to say the same. Going forward, Drew will be looked at as having as good of a shot as any to be the top QB." This reflects the growing consensus among scouts recognizing Allar’s potential.
Despite his intentions to return, the chatter doesn't seem to end. Allar's strong showing could entice him to reconsider. He stated earlier this month, “This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had... I look forward to making more memories with my teammates this year and beyond.” Yet it's clear NFL teams are remaining vigilant. Brugler confirmed, "There are several NFL GMs who believe Allar could enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong playoff run. Teams are still heavily scouting him for the 2025 class."
Should Allar continue to excel, leading the Nittany Lions deep through the playoffs, he might have to weigh the opportunity against his initial decision to remain. After the recent matchup against SMU, Allar now holds a 22-5 record as Penn State's starting quarterback.
Even with backup quarterback Beau Pribula transferring to Missouri, Allar's announcement remains: he is committed to Penn State for 2025. "I know there’s still more work to do which is why I look forward to making more memories with my teammates this year and beyond,” he expressed, signifying his dedication to his current team.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Allar has shown stability off the field as well. His high school sweetheart, Emma Bush, has supported him throughout this whirlwind season. Their relationship dates back to 2019, and even with distance due to their college commitments—Bush at Ohio State—they've kept their bond strong. The couple's shared experiences, including game days and special events, highlight their commitment to each other.
Critics and fans alike will be watching how Allar’s playoff performance influences his future. If he leads Penn State to glory this season, it might just change everything—a fitting legacy for the promising quarterback.