The biggest development of Penn State football’s transfer portal season took place Monday morning: Drew Allar is coming back.
Allar, who has been Penn State’s starting QB almost two full seasons, announced the news via social media not long after ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported it.
— Drew Allar (@AllarDrew) December 16, 2024
He was already scheduled to talk with media Monday afternoon, and the news created an obvious talking point.
Here’s what Allar said about why he came back.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Drew Allar during pregame warmups ahead of the Big Ten Championship game.
“For me personally, it was a football decision, and that’s how I always have operated. Me and my family had extensive talks about it and weighed everything. Personally, I came to the conclusion myself that I felt like it’s best for my future and that sort of thing. But honestly, I’m glad I got this out of the way because I’m totally focused on SMU. Respectfully, this is the last time I really want to talk about it. But I completely understand the question.”
KIND OF A BIG DEAL
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Drew Allar
It already feels like Allar has been at Penn State for a long time. He’s somewhat of a polarizing figure amongst Penn State fans. Although most would agree that he’s put up good numbers over two seasons: 46 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 21-5 overall record—, the fact that he came in as a five-star meant that the expectations were through the roof for the pride of Medina, Ohio. This meant that anything short of near perfection— specifically against Michigan and Ohio State, who Allar is 0-3 against so far— would be deemed by a portion of Penn State fans to be not good enough.
Regardless, every Penn State fan should be happy to have Allar back.
Penn State takes on SMU for its first-ever College Football Playoff game Saturday at noon. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on TNT and HBO Max.
