Once seen as a hesitant signal-caller in 2023, Drew Allar has rapidly emerged as a projected top NFL draft pick in 2026. Tasked with leading Penn State’s offense last season, Allar struggled with inconsistency and underwhelmed in big games. However, the arrival of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki sparked a dramatic turnaround in 2024.
Now the centerpiece of Penn State’s offense, Allar has made significant strides in decision-making and explosiveness. A recent training clip highlights his dedication to refining mechanics and leadership.
Though his 2023 campaign revealed areas for improvement, Allar’s growth has positioned him among the elite quarterback prospects in college football. The New York Jets are projected to target him early in the upcoming draft.
Penn State’s Drew Allar Climbs NFL Draft Boards After Major 2024 Leap
With NFL teams gearing up for the 2026 draft, Penn State quarterback Allar is generating serious buzz. Once considered a raw talent, Allar has quickly transformed into a premier prospect—one now projected by early mock drafts as a potential top-10 pick. The New York Jets, consistently searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, are seen as a natural fit should Allar maintain his current trajectory.
College Sports Network emphasized Allar’s growth:
“New York Jets: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State. Much like Klubnik, Drew Allar made a massive jump from 2023 to 2024. The biggest improvement in Allar’s game was his accuracy, as he saw a leap from 59% to 66%. He threw for more yards and just looked like the real deal in 2024.”
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Statistically, Allar’s leap has been dramatic. He went from averaging 6.8 yards per attempt in 2023—ranking 80th nationally—to 12.6 yards in 2024, second-best in the country. His completion rate surged from 59.9% to 70.7%, while his touchdown percentage more than doubled. He started all 12 games in 2024, finishing with a 62.5% completion rate, 2,800 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
As the 2025 season nears, Allar is already turning heads with offseason training footage. A clip shared by QB coach Brad Maendler features sharp, high-velocity throws, with the caption: “38 seconds of Penn State QB Drew Allar throwing seeds!”—a sign of a player committed to elevating his game even further.
KEEP READING: Ranking the Top 7 Penn State Football Players to Watch in the 2025-26 Season Ft. Drew Allar
Physically, Allar stands out. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he combines size, arm talent, and improved mobility—traits NFL scouts covet. Though not known for his rushing ability, he showed more comfort outside the pocket in 2024, extending plays and managing pressure more effectively.
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