Aa new era for Penn State football is about to sweep through Happy Valley, and it's not just the firing of former head coach James Franklin that's coming about.
Another significant change is in the quarterback room. Long-time starter QB Drew Allar sustained a season-ending injury in the game against Northwestern on Saturday.
It is a crucial blow for the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) as they see a program leader end his time in State College in one of the most gut-wrenching ways possible.
While there were a lot of negative moments that Allar wished to have back in his time representing the blue and white, he always gave it his all. The 2025 season was supposed to be his senior campaign that soared above the rest of his time at Penn State. With NFL draft hype increasing, he had all the tools he needed on offense to make it happen. Unfortunately for Allar, it didn't come to fruition.
Allar's play had moments of struggle, but it's clear that the Medina, Ohio native made strides in his game. Especially with his running ability, he showed flashes of improvement and re-developed his confidence under center. What that self-confidence could have produced remains unlocked.
His injury seems to affect his ankle, though Franklin and his former coaching staff did notdisclose details. His scrambling ability might take a hit or he may shy away from more opportunities on the ground moving forward. All in all, it's a heartbreaking and bitter outcome. Athletic director Pat Kraft shared this sentiment in his first press conference since Franklin's firing.
A very emotional Penn State AD Pat Kraft on Drew Allar's impact: "Drew is one hell of a kid. And he puts up with a lot of crap. I get it, we're in the NIL era, but he's still a kid. ... He wants to win in the worst way."https://t.co/WD1kiREBWw https://t.co/1yFrqdxQhS
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 13, 2025
In addition to those testimonies on Allar's character, Kraft also spoke about the Nittany Lions' future.
"[Allar] wants to win in the worst way. He's working his hardest to do that, and to see it end that way, you never want that," Kraft said. "He's going to be an incredible pro football player. He's going to be an incredible ambassador for this program. And I got to be honest, the fact that he's stuck with us, it's pretty awesome."
Allar, of course, could have skipped his senior season to enter the 2025 NFL Draft alongside former teammates tight end Tyler Warren and linebacker Abdul Carter, who were both drafted in the first round in 2024.
Allar likely would have been drafted there as well, but opted against that.
Instead, he decided to return to Happy Valley, putting aside his pro future for a potential shot at the national championship, which so closely slipped out of the hands of Penn State in 2025.
Moments of heartbreak plagued Allar's time under center for the Nittany Lions, and sadly, his time ended similarly.
It is a disappointing and sour ending for what was supposed to be one of Penn State's most talented recruits of all time, who ended up No.13 on 247's all-time ranking for recruits for the Nittany Lions.
Allar finished his collegiate career with top five program career figures in passing touchdowns and yards. Other Penn State quarterbacks before Allar had higher interception numbers as well. Allar had 13 of 45, though his picks are largely what fans associate him with.
Following his recovery and response, Allar has a chance to recollect and redeem himself at the NFL level, even if his shot at a first-round selection escaped him.
For a player like Allar, who has received a plethora of criticism throughout his career from fans, those who root for Penn State must now come to support one of their own who needs it deeply.