2026 QB Spotlight: Drew Allar

Kevin looks at a potential 2026 QB1 Drew Allar.

As we continue our dive into the 2026 quarterback class, a group still searching for clarity at the top, we turn our attention to one of the most polarizing prospects in the group: Penn State’s Drew Allar.

If you’ve been following this series, we’ve already broken down two notable names in the class: LaNorris Sellers, whose dual-threat upside has him climbing big boards, and Cade Klubnik, a former 5-star recruit still trying to take his next step at Clemson. Now we turn to Allar, a prospect who came into college with just as much hype but has had a more uneven path to stardom.

Allar helped guide Penn State to a 13-3 record in 2024, including a trip to the College Football Playoff where they fell short in the semifinals to Notre Dame. His stat line was solid: 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 302 rushing yards with six scores. More importantly, we saw significant growth in his decision-making and willingness to take calculated risks. In contrast to 2023, when he often played conservatively, Allar made strides in pushing the ball downfield and using his frame and athleticism as a runner.

Through three seasons with the Nittany Lions, two as the full-time starter, he’s posted a career line of 6,302 yards, 53 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions while completing nearly 63% of his passes. The flashes have been there. He made throws in 2024 that most college quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt, and his confidence has grown. But there's still a sense that Allar is trying to put it all together. The game-sealing interception against Notre Dame in the playoff loss being a reminder of what’s still missing.

Now heading into his senior season, the pressure is on. Penn State needs him to be the reason they win, not just a piece of the machine. If he can take that leap, there’s no doubt he’ll be in the mix for early NFL Draft capital.

Up next, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that could help or hinder that leap: the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, offensive scheme, and what the depth chart looks like heading into 2025.

Coaching and Scheme

Allar's development in 2024 coincided with the arrival of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who brought a fresh identity to the Nittany Lions. After years of predictable play-calling and wasted talent under James Franklin’s revolving door of coordinators, Kotelnicki might finally be the answer. He helped breathe life into a stagnant offense and more importantly, he started unlocking Allar’s upside.

Kotelnicki’s offensive philosophy is built on unpredictability and creativity. His “class on grass” approach keeps players engaged, learning by doing rather than sitting in film rooms. He listens to his players, adjusts on the fly, and isn't afraid to get weird. That’s a win for Allar, who thrives when the scheme puts the ball in his hands and lets him be the aggressor. His regular season numbers reflect it completing over 71% of his passes with improved poise and command in the pocket. But we also saw the cracks in high-pressure postseason moments, including a sub-52% completion rate in the Big Ten title game and a shaky outing against Boise State in the CFP.

That said, Kotelnicki’s track record is hard to ignore. He helped engineer a turnaround at Kansas and earned a big payday to bring his vision to Happy Valley. If 2024 was the foundation, 2025 is the test. The offense must evolve and more importantly, it must open up. Allar can’t be just a caretaker again. If Penn State wants to take the next step and compete for a national title, he needs to be the engine. The vertical passing game has to be a bigger part of the offense, especially if they want to avoid leaning too heavily on the run when the games matter most.

James Franklin enters 2025 with 101 career wins and momentum from the school’s first-ever Playoff appearance. He’s flirted with elite before, but now expectations are different. With Allar in his final season, the window is now. The coaching is in place, the scheme fits, and the personnel is strong. The last step? Let Drew Allar take the keys and go win games with his arm.

With Kotelnicki returning for Year 2 and Allar entering what could be his final college season, the pieces are in place for Penn State to build on last year’s success. But if this offense is going to take the next step not just in terms of production, but in identity it’s going to require a more aggressive, vertical approach. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2025 offensive landscape looks like in Happy Valley.

2025 Offensive Outlook

There’s real optimism with Andy Kotelnicki and Drew Allar. But for all the positives, the wide receiver room remains the elephant in the room and it has been for two straight seasons. With Tyler Warren off to the NFL and three key pass-catchers departing, the focus has shifted to whether Penn State finally has enough firepower on the outside to unlock a more aggressive, vertical passing game. It has to happen for Allar to take that next step.

Key Returners

Lining up alongside Allar will be one of the top backfields in the country. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen return after a dominant postseason stretch that saw them rack up 776 yards and 8 touchdowns combined in just four games. They’ll run behind a deep and experienced offensive line — arguably the best of the Franklin era — led by tackles Drew Shelton and Nolan Rucci, guard Vega Ioane, and center Nick Dawkins.

At tight end, the Nittany Lions may not have another Tyler Warren, but they’ve got options. Khalil Dinkins returns as the veteran leader, sophomore Luke Reynolds is a breakout candidate after flashing as a freshman, and Andrew Rappleyea is back after a preseason injury wiped out what was shaping up to be a big year. This room should remain a strength.

Wide Receiver Outlook

Here’s where the questions begin. Last year’s wideouts completely disappeared in the biggest moment of the season — zero receptions in a Playoff game with a title berth on the line. That can’t happen again. With Julian Fleming graduated and both Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans hitting the portal, Penn State turned to the transfer market for answers.

They landed three new projected starters: USC’s Kyron Hudson, Troy’s Devonte Ross, and Syracuse’s Trebor Pena. That trio brings much-needed production (198 catches, 2,446 yards, and 23 touchdowns in 2024 combined) and experience. Hudson gives them a contested-catch specialist on the outside, while Ross and Pena both offer slot flexibility and yards-after-catch ability. In short: this group is more dynamic than anything they’ve had in years — but the on-field results will need to match the paper hype.

Liam Clifford, Tyseer Denmark, and Kaden Saunders round out the receiver rotation. Clifford is steady if unspectacular. Denmark has breakout potential, and Saunders could be an X-factor if fully healthy.

Depth, Additions & Final Thoughts

The offensive depth chart is loaded and deep especially at running back and tight end. Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith will push for snaps behind Singleton and Allen. True freshman Andrew Olesh, a late Michigan flip, could carve out a rotational tight end role. On the line, TJ Shanahan (Texas A&M transfer) and freshman Malachi Goodman provide quality depth and upside.

The offense will go as far as Kotelnicki allows it to. He has the pieces now it’s time to let Allar take the reins. The 2025 unit has the makings of a top-10 offense, but that leap will only happen if the playbook opens up and they start attacking vertically. With an elite ground game, a retooled receiver group, and a motivated quarterback, the blueprint is there for something special.

Projected 2025 Depth Chart (Offense)

• QB1: Drew Allar

• RB1: Nick Singleton/Kaytron Allen

• WR1: Kyron Hudson

• WR2: Trebor Pena

• WR3: Devonte Ross

• WR4: Liam Clifford

• TE1: Khalil Dinkins

Scouting Report

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