Overview
- Penn State’s interim coach said, “We have a quarterback for the future,” publicly backing redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer following the Indiana game.
- Grunkemeyer completed 13 of 18 passes after a second‑half interception for 129 yards and a touchdown as Penn State briefly took the lead in a 27–24 loss to No. 2 Indiana.
- The Nittany Lions have dropped six straight, with Grunkemeyer’s early turnovers and sacks giving way to visible week‑to‑week improvement.
- Grunkemeyer said he is “absolutely” interested in returning in 2026 if the next head coach supports him, noting he loves the program but will evaluate the opportunity.
- The endorsement comes in a turbulent stretch that included James Franklin’s firing and Drew Allar’s season‑ending ankle injury, with the head‑coaching search leaving staff and roster futures unresolved.