There’s been a lot of movement with the transfer portal and early 2025 NFL Draft declarations in recent days. However, the biggest news might be that Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar announced he’s returning to State College.
That, combined with backup Beau Pribula’s transfer portal departure and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s decision to stay with the Nittany Lions in 2025, brings clarity to the Penn State quarterback room next season. What does Allar’s announcement and Pribula’s departure mean for the program?
Drew Allar to Return as Penn State Starting QB
In a month of uncertainty, Penn State has clarity for its future.
Allar, a potential top-five quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, is returning, a move foreshadowed by backup Beau Pribula’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Allar has had his best year this season while working with Kotelnicki, who will also be back after flirting with the West Virginia Mountaineers job.
It’s a huge recruiting win for the Nittany Lions, who finished the year fourth nationally in yards per play and seventh in points per drive.
Allar threw for a career-high 2,894 passing yards, improving his completion percentage by nearly 10% under Kotelnicki’s tutelage.
With an entire offseason together, Kotelnicki and Allar will be one of the top batteries in college football next year, but there’s still a hole in the offense.
Allar only took 76.3% of the quarterback snaps this season, as Pribula and even Mackey Award-winning tight end Tyler Warren took significant snaps as change-of-pace quarterbacks.
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Pribula ran an offense that resembled Allar’s, while Warren ran the Wildcat, with 22 rushing attempts and five passing attempts.
I’d expect the Nittany Lions to be active in the transfer portal to find a similar backup quarterback for Allar. They can’t and won’t replace Warren, but I think Kotelnicki has a guy or two in mind to bring in to reprise Pribula’s role next season.
What Allar’s Return Means
Allar’s decision to forego the NFL in a weaker quarterback class speaks volumes of Kotelnicki’s coaching ability. A former five-star quarterback, he has always had the physical tools, but prior to 2024, he lacked the aggression and precision with his passing that is needed to succeed at the next level.
Without a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class, Allar’s decision could make him millions if he elevates his game again next season.
The Nittany Lions are finally in college football’s postseason playoff, thanks partly to an expanded 12-team format. But if they improve their roster in the transfer portal, they could be the favorites next season.
Allar instantly moves close to the top of college football’s best returning quarterbacks list, making the Nittany Lions an even more attractive portal destination.
Chief among Penn State’s wish list is an outside receiving threat (or four). Just 46.7% of Penn State’s receiving yards and 39.2% of receiving touchdowns came from wide receivers. Allar’s return as a proven passer only helps Penn State in the transfer portal.
But while receiver is the most pressing offensive need, a backup, dual-threat quarterback is a key piece for next season’s team. As the quarterback dominoes start to fall, we should get more clarity on that situation in State College.
For now, Allar’s return is a huge win for the Nittany Lions. Still, Pribula’s departure is a key loss. We’ll see if it’s one Kotclnicki and Allar can overcome.
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