Penn State football recruiting: With top QB gone, who could Penn State target next?
Penn State was in the running for Bryce Underwood, but after the No. 1 QB in the 2025 class signed with LSU, James Franklin will need to set his sights on these other 2025 passers to fill the QB room in Happy Valley.
By Josh Yourish
On Saturday, the No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class announced his commitment and it wasn’t to the Nittany Lions. Bryce Underwood had Penn State in his final seven teams but committed to LSU, so now James Franklin and his offensive staff will need to pivot in next year’s class.
Penn State may not make a big addition at the position in the 2025 cycle, and with three-star Bekkem Kritza from Boulder Colorado already committed, James Franklin could address other positions on the roster. Especially if he believes in 2024 four-star Ethan Grunkemeyer as Drew Allar’s successor.
Grunkemeyer was a four-star out of Ohio and one of the biggest risers in the 2024 recruiting cycle, especially at the quarterback position. The 6-foot-2 quarterback recently played in the Under Armour All-American game and showcased his arm strength and decisiveness, but threw two interceptions, the first of which was a pick-six. He finished 7-16 for 43 yards and those two turnovers.
Outside of the very slim possibility that Beau Pribula is the next Trace McSorley, Grunkemeyer is the best plan that Penn State has at the position. However, there are still other options in the 2025 recruiting cycle and Penn State appears to be in the mix for the top QB from Pennsylvania. So, who are the other options for Penn State in 2025?
The room currently consists of Allar, Grunkemeyer, Pribula, Jaxon Smolik, Jack Lambert, and Karson Kiesewetter.