Drew Allar already an early frontrunner for 2024 Heisman Trophy

The 2023 college football season isn’t even over yet, but it’s never too early to look ahead to 2024. The coming new year looks bright for Penn State football at the QB position. After a largely successful first season, Drew Allar will return to the Nittany Lions with a year of experience under his belt as a signal caller. Expectations are rising for Allar heading into next season, as the Penn State QB is already making frequent appearances on the early 2024 Heisman odds.

Drew Allar rising in early 2024 Heisman odds

By and large, Drew Allar had a successful first season as the starting QB for Penn State football. Allar finished the regular season with a 61% completion rate and 2,336 passing yards. The sophomore QB also touts a gaudy 23-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

However, like the entire Nittany Lions team, Allar’s performance against Michigan and Ohio State can cause his big-picture stats to get overshadowed. Allar finished with a sub-50% completion rate and failed to break 200 yards throwing in either game.

But there is still tremendous upside for the young Penn State QB. As the college football world starts to peek ahead to next fall, Drew Allar has already been named as an early Heisman candidate for 2024.

Early 2024 Heisman Trophy Candidates via @JesseReSimonton🏆

Do you agree? ⬇️https://t.co/3TZV2q5jBJ pic.twitter.com/S6c1d5Uzjz

— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2023

“Allar has Heisman Trophy potential, and perhaps new PSU offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki can tap into that next season,” wrote Jesse Simonton of On3 this week. “The Nittany Lions will again be a likely Top 10-12 preseason team and a contender for the Big Ten. If Allar can win a spotlight game (say Michigan or Ohio State) and keep the Nittany Lions in the playoff hunt, he will at least be a name mentioned throughout the race.”

Allar recently popped up on 247Sport’s early 2024 Heisman odds as well. “So-so outings in losses to Ohio State and Michigan will have to be corrected to warrant top-of-the-line Heisman praise next fall, but this Penn State offense should improve with a new play-caller in charge who loves creativity,” writes Brad Crawford. “Allar has the tools and skillset to be a Heisman finalist in 2024 if the Nittany Lions are among the contenders in Playoff expansion.”

EARLY 2024 Heisman Candidates, via @BCrawford247 🏈

READ: https://t.co/bhVONq5ua6 pic.twitter.com/ex1MfOWu7C

— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 10, 2023

Penn State football pleased with Allar’s play in year one

Drew Allar’s year one performance isn’t lost on those in Lasch Building. After the regular-season finale against Michigan State, Penn State football coach James Franklin highlighted the play of his young QB.

“It’s interesting since everyone wants to talk about criticisms,” Franklin said. “Do you know how many touchdown passes he had this year? …23 [touchdown passes] and 1 interception. If you just took that statistic and told the 132 coaches in the country that their quarterback would have those stats before the season started, I think they would take it and run.”

While it’s true that his play will need to improve dramatically in the Nittany Lions’ biggest games, the future definitely looks bright for Drew Allar. With a year of starting experience and another offseason under his belt, the sky could be the limit for Allar in 2024.

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