Penn State quarterback Drew Allar intends to return to school for the 2025 college football season, forgoing his eligibility to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Allar should benefit from another year of development. Following his current trajectory, the dual-threat prospect possesses an excellent opportunity to be QB1 in 2026.
Allar had been a candidate to shake up the perception of the available quarterbacks in April's festivities following an outstanding showing versus Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game. Allar nearly helped Penn State execute an upset victory over the No. 1 ranked program in the nation. He completed 20-of-39 passing attempts for 226 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, putting all of his strengths and flaws on display. He also added 54 rushing yards and an additional score to his offensive totals.
— Drew Allar (@AllarDrew) December 16, 2024
Surprisingly, Allar made his intentions public before the College Football Playoff. A standout showing under the brightest lights could have further elevated his pre-draft stock in a class that's slated to feature Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and not much else. With that said, Allar's raw abilities should improve throughout another year under the watchful eye of James Franklin and co-offensive coordinators Andy Kotelnicki and Ja'Juan Seider.
Allar enters Saturday’s playoff matchup versus SMU after throwing a career-high 2,894 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. In his second year as a starter, his completion percentage has improved by nearly 10 percentage points from 59.9% to 69.1%. On-field growth has been extremely evident.
Allar is a large and powerful athlete with the arm talent required to threaten all levels of a defense. He also needs continued fundamental and technical development to improve accuracy, footwork, and anticipation. Despite his ability to create off-script magic, Allar's pocket maneuverability remains an inconsistent work in progress.
Allar isn't the lone future NFL quarterback to return to school and pass up the 2025 NFL Draft. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier recently made the same decision. As of now, Allar and Nussmeier are easy contenders to compete for QB1 bragging rights in 2026. It's worth noting Alabama's Jalen Milroe hasn't made his decision yet. He'll further shake up the 2025 or 2026 class.
The potential wild cards in the 2026 class are Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava. Barring unforeseen setbacks, Manning will be the heavy favorite to go No. 1 overall in whichever draft he decides to enter. If that's 2026, quarterbacks like Allar and Nussmeier will have to take a back seat.
There have been whispers that Manning prefers to receive the complete college football experience. That wouldn't align with leaving Texas early for the 2026 NFL Draft. Alternatively, Manning could opt for a fourth campaign in Austin. Iamaleava will have to weigh similar pros and cons. Their decisions could create a clearer pathway for Allar to be the top quarterback available.
Allar has been among the most improved quarterbacks in college football this season. The Medina, Ohio native was trending toward being a first-round pick with top-10 potential before announcing his commitment to return to University Park. Allar will ultimately benefit from his mature decision. With another year of development, he'll possess a legitimate opportunity to be the first quarterback drafted in 2026.
