Why This College Football Insider Has Penn State’s Drew Allar Cracked in the Top 5 Quarterbacks—And What It Means for the Season

When it comes to college football’s quarterback landscape for 2025, Drew Allar isn’t just knocking on the door—he’s moving right in and taking a prime spot. ESPN’s Greg McElroy, himself a national champion quarterback turned sharp media voice, recently pegged Allar as the fourth-best QB in the nation. That’s no small praise, especially when you consider the notable names he stands shoulder to shoulder with—Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, and Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, all picks that have raised some eyebrows around the league. What’s truly eye-catching here? Allar is the lone Big Ten signal-caller cracking the top ten, underscoring just how much weight his presence carries in the conference. After flirting with the NFL draft, the Penn State senior decided to stick around, driven by that pounding sense of unfinished business following a gut-wrenching College Football Playoff final. Last season saw Allar setting personal bests across the board, showing growth under OC Andy Kotelnicki’s mentorship, while the Nittany Lions transformed their receiver corps with fresh faces from the transfer portal. If you ask me, all signs point to a breakout campaign on the horizon—and then, who knows? The draft awaits. LEARN MORE

With several top quarterbacks heading to the professional ranks, Allar is one of the most experienced and well-known quarterbacks nationally and has continued to gain respect from college football personalities throughout the offseason.The senior had the opportunity to declare for this year’s NFL draft but opted to return, stating unfinished business after a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game, which ended in heartbreaking fashion after a late interception.A top college football media personality ranked Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar as one of the best in the country heading into the 2025 season.Allar trailed only Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. Oklahoma’s John Mateer and Arizona State‘s Sam Leavitt, all relatively controversial picks. Suprisingly, Allar is the only Big Ten quarterback on the top-10 list.

Allar finished the year completing 262 of 394 passes for a 66.5% clip, totaling 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His completions, completion percentage, yards and yards per attempt were career highs.ESPN’s Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarteback who won the BCS national championship in 2010 before entering the media world, listed Allar as the No. 4 quarterback entering next season.

Allar made strides last season working under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, and the Nittany Lions have entirely revamped their wide receiver room with transfer portal acquisitions of Kyron Hudon, Devonte Ross and Trebor Pena. It’s likely Allar produces his best season yet in 2025 before heading to the draft.