Drew Allar came back to Penn State for two big reasons: to guide the Nittany Lions to their third national championship and to improve his abilities for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Expectations couldn’t be higher for Penn State, which sits No. 2 in the preseason AP Poll.
If those lofty goals are to be reached, a significant part will fall on Allar’s shoulders. Succeeding would mean historic things for Penn State and Allar, entering the most hyped PSU season this century.
On Thursday, Allar was named to the Manning Award Watch List. The recognition is presented annually to the “Best Quarterback in College Football.”
27 candidates were announced for the award, created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, including two Big Ten quarterbacks. Illinois’ QB Luke Altmyer joins Allar on the watch ballot.
Allar threw for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 16 games as a junior, leading Penn State to a 13-3 record.
Penn State added transfer wide receivers Kyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Peña (Syracuse) to help Allar take the next step. A Penn State wide receiver did not catch a pass in the Orange Bowl.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Allar, 21, set new career highs in completion percentage (66.5) and quarterback rating (152.5) as a junior.
The Mannings, along with a voting panel and select members of the media, will vote on a winner after the playoffs and be announced after the national title.
The Manning Award isn’t the only accolade Allar is up for. Allar has also been named to watch lists for the Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Allar was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention the last two seasons and has combined for 66 total touchdowns in his PSU career.
The Manning Award is the only one including a passer’s postseason performance during voting deliberations.
Penn State begins the 2025 season hosting Nevada at Beaver Stadium Aug. 30, with revitalization work continuing throughout the year.
