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Penn State Locks In Allar as Starter While Backup QB Battle Persists

Allar’s spot on the Walter Camp watch list underscores Penn State’s national title ambitions

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Overview

  • James Franklin says the competition for the No. 2 quarterback role between Jaxon Smolik and Ethan Grunkemeyer remains too close to call and could extend into the 2026 season
  • Drew Allar enters the 2025 campaign healthy as the confirmed starter and is viewed as a likely first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
  • Allar owns program records for career completion rate (62.9%), interception rate (1.19%), passing yards (6,302), touchdowns (53) and starter wins (23)
  • Senior quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton both earned spots on the 2025 Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list
  • Smolik returned from a season-ending injury to shine in spring drills, while freshman Grunkemeyer made a late playoff cameo and has pushed the backup contest