Former Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula sat down with Adam Breneman on the most recent episode of "Next Up with Adam Breneman" to talk about his collegiate journey so far, including his time at Penn State, transferring, and his future at Missouri.
Before the Nittany Lion playoff run, Pribula suddenly entered the Transfer Portal and his NCAA "free agency." He said to Breneman that he even practiced with Penn State that day, not knowing he'd very quickly make his exit out of Happy Valley.
Pribula was originally recruited without anyone knowing exactly what kind of player the Nittany Lions were bringing in. They didn't know if he was a true passing quarterback or if he'd even be playing under center at all. Breneman recalled the Arizona State coaching staff ruling Pribula out as a quarterback entirely, not believing he'd have a future in that position. He only had one season prior to college as a quarterback, playing wide receiver and free safety before his senior year. Pribula even admitted that it made sense for people to think he was a "gimmicky" quarterback, best for running the ball. When he got to Penn State, too, he knew he'd play behind Drew Allar, who was in the same class as him.
"I knew that willingly," Pribula said. "I [still] wanted to go."
The 2023 Peach Bowl and 2024 game against Wisconsin showed everyone that, regardless of who the starter was, he could be taken seriously as a quarterback. Everyone around him knew he could pass and had the confidence to do so, but it was time for the public to knew it too.
"[Head coach James Franklin] did a great job getting me on the field and giving me experience," Pribula said. "Making big plays in big games. I think one of the proudest moments was my redshirt freshman season . . . a backup, first year playing college football . . . it was the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. I go in there for two plays. First play was a zone read, I pull it [and] run 12 yards for a first down . . . The next play's called and it's a pass play and I'm like 'Oh man, here we go! I don't know if I'm warm, but here we go' . . . I just rip it to [Nicholas Singleton] and it was like a 50-yard touchdown pass."
Though Pribula didn't see his hard work and progress get rewarded with more time on the field, transferring never crossed the young quarterback's mind. Even up against Allar, it was all about continuing to compete and gaining experience. He was a Penn State guy through and through with support from his hometown in York, Penn. and the community at Happy Valley. It didn't matter to him who was starting on the field.
"Just building the culture and becoming a leader, even though I was the backup," Pribula said. ". . . I was always striving to be the hardest worker in the building and I think guys realize that. Guys gain respect for [players who] can do that . . . I didn't even realize how much my teammates appreciated me and everything until I left."
He and Franklin made the decision that it was Pribula's time to look elsewhere to finish his college career the Sunday before the Nittany Lions' first game of the College Football Playoffs against SMU. There wasn't time for him to stick around through the playoffs if he wanted a starting spot at a good program. Pribula had to officially detach from the Nittany Lions if he wanted to enter the portal. For the rest of the Penn State team and staff, it was nothing but excitement and support for the next phase of his career.
He visited Ole Miss, Iowa, UCF, and Missouri while the Nittany Lions were battling through the playoffs. Program culture, the offensive scheme, and making sure he can secure a starting spot were Pribula's priorities. NIL deals weren't on mind when considering where his new spot would be, leaving that up to the others around him. With each school, Pribula said he had no personal conversations about money.
Though he took all of his other visits, he had an inkling that they wouldn't compare to the surprising first visit he had with the Tigers. On Dec. 22, Pribula committed to Missouri.
"Ever since I left Penn State, nothing's mattered to me more than being the best I can be and being the best quarterback for this team," Pribula said.
Reflecting on his time with the Nittany Lions though, Pribula said he made lifelong best friends with the outstanding team culture he experienced. Beyond that, he had the chance to be a hometown quarterback in big games no matter how many snaps he took.
Now he has to prove himself to others past Happy Valley. Pribula plans for people to see his abilities on every single play and how he can control a game when given the time to do it with a whole offensive scheme. In fact, he's excited to take the most of this new opportunity and make sure his whole team is fired up around him to win games.
"I love playing quarterback," Pribula said. "But I love playing football."