After a whirlwind 2025 NFL Draft that saw surprising picks like Michigan’s Mason Graham landing position, attention is already turning toward next year’s quarterback class. And leading the conversation is Penn State’s Drew Allar, who has not only returned to college football for another year, but enters the 2025 season as a potential Heisman Trophy finalist and the possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Drew Allar Faces High Stakes in 2025 With No Excuses and NFL Stardom on the Line
Allar’s decision to forgo the 2025 draft was unexpected by some analysts. Despite generating serious first-round buzz after a strong junior campaign, Allar chose to return to Happy Valley to finish what he started. His 2024 stats backed up the hype: 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a career-high 66.5% completion rate on 394 attempts.
He also led Penn State to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, though the Nittany Lions ultimately fell short of a title.
If Penn State dominates in 2025… Drew Allar won’t just be a Heisman finalist—he could be the No. 1 overall pick.
New weapons at receiver. A top-tier backfield. And Andy Kotelnicki scheming it all up.
The excuses are gone.
The talent… undeniable.
Now it’s time for Allar to… pic.twitter.com/nsNxmHeaN3
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) May 3, 2025
Still, the momentum is undeniable. Sports Illustrated’s way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft pegged Allar as the No. 3 overall selection by the New York Jets, and many believe he could easily rise to the top spot with a dominant season. With more weapons and a new offensive coordinator, Allar has the tools, and the pressure, to deliver.
Penn State’s offense is expected to be even more dynamic in 2025 thanks to additions from the transfer portal, including wide receivers Kyron Hudon, Devonte Ross, and Trebor Pena.
These fresh faces, alongside returning talent, give Allar the deepest receiving corps he’s had during his college career. That’s a major upgrade for a quarterback aiming to boost his draft stock and secure a Heisman invite.
But Allar’s path to stardom won’t be without scrutiny. NFL scouts were locked in on his tape last season, dissecting everything from decision-making to pocket presence. While his tools, arm strength, size (6’5″, 242 pounds), and accuracy, are elite, the expectation now is clear: dominate, or drop. There are no excuses this year.
KEEP READING: ‘If Penn State Dominates’ — CFB Analyst Makes Bold Heisman, No. 1 Pick Claim About Drew Allar
This is the season where Drew Allar has to prove he’s not just good, but great, a franchise cornerstone worthy of being the first quarterback off the board. The pieces are in place: a playoff-ready team, an improved offense, and national attention. Whether it’s a Heisman run or a rise to No. 1 in the draft, 2025 is Allar’s time to shine.
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