Is Drew Allar returning? Penn State QB makes major decision about his future

Drew Allar, Penn State’s quarterback, has clarified his plans for the future. Despite a tough semifinal loss to Notre Dame on Friday — highlighted by a costly interception — Allar informed the coaching staff in December that he will return next season. He will be ruled out from entering the transfer portal, where he could have been ranked among standout quarterbacks such as Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Jalen Milroe.

Is Penn State QB Drew Allar returning?

Drew Allar is coming back to Penn State for his senior season in 2025, declining to enter the NFL Draft. The 20-year-old quarterback informed the coaching staff of his decision after starting for the Nittany Lions the past two seasons, per ESPN.

Several star players will join Allar at Penn State for their senior seasons in 2025, all citing "unfinished business" as their motivation to return. The lineup includes defensive lineman Zane Durant, defensive back Zakee Wheatley, edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, and running back duo Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.

According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Allar had kept his NFL Draft options open, especially if Penn State made a championship run that boosted his draft stock. While NFL front offices showed interest in Allar, draft projections varied widely.

The return of Allar and these core offensive players positions Penn State to build on their recent success and pursue a national championship berth in 2025.

Penn State QB Drew Allar’s numbers in 2024

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (#15) compiled solid numbers in 2024, throwing for 3,327 yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His 77.7 QBR placed him 16th among NCAA quarterbacks.

However, Allar struggled in Penn State's Capital One Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame. He completed just 52.2% of his passes for 135 yards and no touchdowns, though he managed a 92.8 passer rating. The Fighting Irish (14-1) edged the Nittany Lions (13-3) in a tight 27-24 contest.

Also Read: "My heart breaks for Drew Allar": Joel Klatt makes his stance clear on Penn State's heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

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Edited by Ripunjay Gaba