Penn State football is undeniably in a transitional phase this season, reflecting the many challenges the program has faced recently. Losses mounted, and uncertainty hangs over what was once anticipated to be a successful season, with the team unsure of its future direction.
The program has several options moving forward, starting with a new head coach, likely to replace interim Terry Smith in the offseason, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Nittany Lions.
There won't just be a change of face at the helm, as the Transfer Portal will likely be extremely busy, with former head coach James Franklin's old squad seeing many of its players enter and depart it.
Despite this, there's one player who, while having his Happy Valley career come to a sad end, remained firm in his support for his Penn State family from the sidelines.
Quarterback Drew Allar, one of the program's defining signal callers throughout history, saw his praises sung by another Penn State legendary passer and current staff member, Trace McSorley.
"[Allar is] still in this with us. He's still a part of this team. He's still a part of this brotherhood. He's still a leader here," McSorley said. "... He's going to do everything he can to help this team win games on Saturdays.
"That's just a testament to him as a player, him as a leader, and him as a teammate...He loves this team. He loves this university. He loves his teammates, and it's just a testament to him."
Drew Allar has returned to the Penn State football program in recent days after undergoing surgery for a broken left ankle.
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) October 24, 2025
On the Penn State Coaches Show last night, Trace McSorley explained the very active role that Allar is taking in the remainder of the Nittany Lions'… pic.twitter.com/OAlA17nH4t
The Medina, Ohio, native suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Franklin's final game in charge against Northwestern, which the Nittany Lions lost 22-21.
In a season marked by little optimism and few reasons for hope, Allar stands as a pillar in the locker room, exemplifying determination and all of Penn State values. All hasn't been great throughout the senior's collegiate career, but he has stayed positive even as it ended on a similar note.
For a QB who was tabbed with first-round potential, Allar had polarizing play on the field. What never wavered, though, was his commitment to the program. Turnovers are often associated with him, but his loyalty should not be overlooked.
When the Nittany Lions need it most, he remains a veteran voice in the locker room. Facing adversity with, whether on the field or while battling injury, is what this Penn State team needs to see. Allar's embodying the "don't quit" mindset Smith wants to see out of his players the rest of the 2025 season.
Penn State is a unique place and will be able to rebuild from the rubble, but it needs strong figures to look toward. Allar looks to be one of them early in this new era. His decision to stay positive and loyal to the program is a testament to the strong community culture fostered in Happy Valley.
Players who may consider leaving should look to Allar. For a player who suffered so much noise on and off the field, it hasn't changed his commitment to the school that took a chance on him and consistently saw him give back to the community and the program.