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Drew Allar recognized as prestigious quarterback in college football

The Penn State quarterback was named to the 2025 Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List with three other Big Ten passers. Drew Allar is entering his third season as a starter with high expectations and something to prove.
BySydney Ciano|
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball during practice outside Holuba Hall on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in State College
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball during practice outside Holuba Hall on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in State College | Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee released its 2025 preseason watch list for the nation's best college football quarterback award. Penn State football's third year starting quarterback and senior Drew Allar was one of three dozen players named to the list.

The award is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the official watch list will be released, which will include active quarterbacks currently on the preseason list, those honored as weekly Great 8 recipients, and any other quarterback selected by the subcommittee. The award's 35-player Class of 2025 will be announced a week later on Oct. 28, which is also the date fans can begin voting.

The semifinalists list will be released Wednesday, Nov. 12 followed by the announcement of the three finalists on Nov. 25. The winner will be awarded live on Friday, Dec. 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. He'll be honored at the 49th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

Drew Allar named to 2025 Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List

Allar was a semifinalist for the award in 2024-25. Navy's Blake Horvath, SMU's Kevin Jennings, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Oklahoma's John Mateer, and Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia were also semifinalists and rejoin Allar on the 2025 watch list this time around.

Only four Big Ten quarterbacks made the list, including Allar. Illinois' Luke Altmyer, UCLA's Nico Iamaleava, and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza were the other three quarterbacks in the conference to make the list.

Allar ranks first all-time in Penn State history in completion percentage and interception percentage. He's third in touchdown passes, fifth in completions and 200-yard passing games, sixth in passing yards and attempts, and 10th in touchdown pass percentage.

In 2024, he completed 262 passes for a 66.5 percent completion rate and 3,327 yards. He threw for 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Allar also posted 96 carries for 302 yards and six rushing touchdowns as a junior. Heading into his senior season, the Nittany Lion is expected to be better on his feet after losing 10 pounds in the offseason and worked on his passing to improve his completion rate and decrease the amount of interceptions thrown.

Drew Allar and Nicholas Singleton named to 2025 Walter Camp Award Watch List for College Football's Player of the Year

Allar also earned a spot on the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Watch List with his fellow Nittany Lion in the offensive backfield, Nicholas Singleton. The list was announced on Monday, Aug. 4 and includes 46 players across the country. Allar is one of 22 quarterbacks and Singleton is one of 11 running backs named to the watch list. The senior running back was also selected to the Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team Offense in the beginning of July.

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