Drew Allar: There’s not a throw on the field I can’t make

The lasting memory Drew Allar left many Penn State football fans heading into this offseason was his game-sealing interception in the closing seconds of the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame. Although the turnover was one of only a few in Allar’s already-prolific Nittany Lion career, its lasting influence has become a key point in the “unfinished business” narrative that is shaping his upcoming senior season.

Entering 2025 as one of the most experienced passers in college football, Allar is using the information from his NFL Draft scouting evaluation to hone his skillset this fall.

“I think for me, the feedback I heard both internally, externally – and me reflecting on my season – was just consistent footwork,” Allar told the Cover 3 Podcast at Big Ten Media Days. “And I think that’s something I’ve worked hard on, really every year. And I think our quarterbacks coach, Danny O’Brien, and obviously adding Trace McSorely now to our staff has been a phenomenal add for us, and that’s really helped me be just consistent in those moments.

“And really, it wasn’t that I had bad footwork. It’s just that I was putting myself in not optimal positions to throw certain throws. That’s what caused some inaccuracy issues. So, I feel like when I’m on time and on rhythm, there’s not a throw on the field I can’t make. So, just trying to tap into that whenever I can. And then whenever I do have to move, making sure I can try to get myself in the best position to make certain throws on the field.”

The “foot pop” provides a great opportunity for QB’s to experiment with different ways to generate power, especially off-platform. @drewallar and @e_grunkemeyer got after it today 🎯

Season around the corner… tick tock 🧨 #WeAre #QBX🎯💪🌪 pic.twitter.com/xlDygJXgak

— Brad Maendler (@BradMaendler) July 21, 2025

Allar in best shape of his life ahead of 2025 campaign

Beyond his technical improvements this offseason, Allar continued to transform his body this spring and summer. Down about 10 pounds from his 2024 playing weight, the senior quarterback is expected to be more of a threat on the ground for the Nittany Lions in 2025.

“[He] showed up on campus, was a backup quarterback for us as a true freshman behind an NFL quarterback, and has gotten better every single year, really in every single area,” James Franklin said on Wednesday. “He’s 6′5“. He’s now 235 pounds, can make every throw on the field, has shown that he can hurt people with his feet, and has really, really made tremendous strides as a leader, holding himself to a high standard and willing to have tough conversations with his teammates as well.

“He’s made significant leaps every year. We expect him to take another significant leap this year. Most people had him projected as a first-round draft choice last year, and he decided to come back to school, unfinished business collectively as a team but also as an individual.”

Drew Allar came back to Penn State because of "unfinished business." The senior QB has improved every single year, and James Franklin has high expectations for his starter in 2025 #WeAre #PennState #NittanyLions #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/PQQJMR7nNn

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) July 24, 2025

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