The 2025 season was expected to be QB Drew Allar’s defining moment, leading a title-hungry Penn State squad as a Heisman frontrunner and top NFL Draft prospect. But that narrative shifted when backup QB Beau Pribula unexpectedly hit the transfer portal last December, leaving a void. Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer now emerges as the backup.
However, redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik, returning from a serious injury that sidelined him last season, re-entered the fold this spring with renewed confidence. His resurgence has introduced healthy competition behind Allar and intensified the importance of chemistry in the quarterback room.
Analyst Explains Why Drew Allar Faces Pressure In Penn State’s QB Room
On the May 17 episode of Blue White Illustrated, analysts Thomas Frank Carr, Sean Fitz, and Nate Bauer offered an in-depth breakdown of how Beau Pribula’s departure has altered the dynamics of Penn State’s quarterback room—and why that puts added pressure on Drew Allar heading into the 2025 season.
Fitz led the discussion by cautiously declaring the quarterback situation “better” than it was in 2024, with one key condition.
“I’m going to go with the better caveat, as to what Drew has ahead of him, which is a potential number one draft pick,” Fitz said. “He knows there’s a bunch of improvements that he has to make… he’s got to develop a rapport, and he’s done a pretty good job with Kaden Hudson.”
Despite losing Pribula, who threw for 424 yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons, Fitz expressed optimism about the talent level behind Allar, pointing to redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik and freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer.
“Grunk’s talented. Smolik is talented,” Fitz said. “How does that work out into guys that are ready to go in and win a football game? We don’t know because we haven’t seen them out there.”
Nate Bauer took a more measured stance. When asked whether the QB depth was worse in 2025, Bauer responded bluntly, “I don’t think it matters.”
He acknowledged that while Penn State may have needed Pribula in a pinch, like in the win over Wisconsin, his limitations surfaced against tougher competition.
“Beau’s effectiveness against really good defenses became problematic for Penn State,” Bauer explained.
Pribula’s snap count reflects his inconsistent usage. He logged 20 snaps in the opener against West Virginia and 36 in the Wisconsin win, but saw just five or fewer snaps in critical games like Illinois, USC, Ohio State, and the Big Ten Championship.
His role was often reduced to niche packages, including Wildcat plays later given to tight end Tyler Warren.
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As Penn State looks ahead, Allar’s continued development is paramount. With improved receiving options like Hudson and top target Queion “Q” Williams emerging, Fitz stressed the importance of chemistry.
“It’s just a matter of them getting on the same page,” he said. “The kid gloves came off last year… whatever other gloves are on are off now as well.”
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