The 2026 NFL Draft class wasn't overflowing with quarterbacks, to say the least.
Matt Campbell is getting closer to reeling back in former 4-star Penn State OT commit
Former Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar, who was the No. 76 overall pick in the draft and went to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 3, was one of the more disappointing prospects in the position room largely due to high expectations as a former five-star recruit.
Now that Allar has a new home in Pennsylvania, this time at the professional level, coaches are coming out and speaking out on how the Nittany Lions weren't the best fit for him in terms of growth and development.
"Hopefully [Pittsburgh] will be a coaching staff that can maximize what he's good at," an anonymous Big Ten coach said, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. "I'm not really sure that was the case [at Penn State]."
Anonymous Big Ten coach says Penn State couldn't maximize and capitalize on quarterback Drew Allar's strengths
This isn't a new narrative for Allar and his time at State College. He had high expectations that he couldn't reach, whether it be his physical technique like footwork or his mental preparedness on game days. Prototypically, Allar is the guy teams want. Developmentally, he falls well short.
The Steelers can pivot Allar's career in the right direction, rather than allow him to continue plateauing. The right coaching staff and offensive system can showcase Allar's strengths rather than try and fit a square peg in a round hole. It's clear that with the Nittany Lions, that's what they tried to force.
Only time will tell if Allar can reach the heights Penn State fans were promised.
Unfortunately for both parties, it might take a little longer to yield results as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the potential to return to Pittsburgh in 2026. Allar's starting experience at the collegiate level makes him a prime option as a starting quarterback, but the Steelers aren't going to prioritize a rookie over a well-decorated veteran.
Allar's growth in minicamp, training camp, and the preseason will be critical in determining if Pittsburgh has the right resources and staff for his success.
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