Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has all the tools to lead the Nittany Lions to a national title in 2025, but only if he learns from the costly postseason mistakes that marred his otherwise strong 2024 campaign. According to a leading analyst, Allar’s late-season struggles must become a footnote rather than a trend.
Drew Allar’s Postseason Stumbles Can’t Be Repeated If Penn State Wants to Succeed in 2025
There’s no denying Allar’s talent. The former 5-star recruit threw for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while completing 66.5% of his passes. His rocket arm and poise in the pocket make him a prime candidate for the 2026 NFL Draft’s top overall pick, with some already placing him second only to LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story.
Despite leading Penn State to a 12-win regular season, Allar’s performance dipped when it mattered most. His completion percentage dropped more than five points in the postseason, and high-stakes moments exposed cracks in his game.
One particular interception in the Big Ten Championship, after a beautiful touchdown throw earlier, shifted momentum. And in the Orange Bowl, a backbreaking pick ended Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes.
That’s the version of Allar analysts warn that cannot show up in 2025.
“Everything” is where head coach James Franklin said Allar needs to improve, a broad answer, but not inaccurate. Incremental growth in decision-making, accuracy, and poise under pressure will be the key if Allar hopes to shake off the big-game jitters and redefine his legacy at Penn State.
Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, signs of a new Allar are already emerging. He’s entering his third year as a starter with newfound swagger and confidence.
One analyst pointed to his fiery demeanor in the 2024 opener against West Virginia, where he stiff-armed a defender and stood tall, not just physically, but mentally.
Penn State opens the 2025 season at home against Nevada, followed by two more non-conference tune-ups before Oregon comes to town on Sept. 27 in what could be an early College Football Playoff-shaping matchup.
The real tests, Ohio State on the road and a likely return to postseason action, will determine whether Allar has grown from last year’s shortcomings.
Make no mistake, this is Allar’s team. And while his last season showed promise, it’s the 2025 campaign that will define him. The stakes are higher, the expectations are massive, and the margin for error is razor thin.
KEEP READING: Jim Knowles Reveals Why Coaching Penn State Was More Than Just a Job—It Was a Lifelong Dream Fulfilled
If Drew Allar can eliminate the backbreaking mistakes, Penn State may finally be poised to return to college football’s biggest stage.
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