The quarterback position will play an important role for Penn State football in 2024.
The Penn State Nittany Lions have high expectations in 2024, not the least of which include reaching the first 12-team College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions have the talent across the board to achieve this potential, but it all starts behind center, namely, Drew Allar. We’ll take a look at the men making up the quarterback room for Penn State football this season, including those that could potentially be in the mix to start in the next year or two, depending on what Allar does in regards to the NFL draft after this season.
Drew Allar
Allar, a former five-star recruit, may be the most polarizing player in both college football and, potentially, the upcoming NFL Draft cycle. Allar threw for 2,631 yards with an excellent 25-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2023. However, a mix of receivers not getting open and questions about his arm strength have Allar among one of the more interesting prospects entering the season, to say the least.
Penn State brought in Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas to be their new offensive coordinator. This should help open up the offense and make life easier for Allar. Regardless, the spotlight will be shining on the Penn State quarterback this season.
Beau Pribula
Redshirt sophomore and former four-star recruit Pribula will be Allar’s backup this season. However, he has already shown he can be a dual-threat quarterback for the Nittany Lions. Pribula rushed for 329 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games last season, both ranking third in the Big Ten. Of course, most of his action came while Penn State was ahead in games. Yet one can’t help but wonder a bit if Penn State could utilize Pribula a little more on offense this season. Allar will be the starter, but Penn State does have an interesting backup option in Pribula.
Ethan Grunkemeyer
Grunkemeyer joins Penn State as a freshman from Lewis Center, Ohio. He was a four-star prospect out of Olentangy High School and is the school’s all-time record holder for career passing yards (8,401), career passing touchdowns (80), season passing yards (3,517) and season passing touchdowns (39). With the injury to Jaxon Smolik, Grunkemeyer look set to be the QB3 for Penn State this season. He’s had an impressive spring, and could eventually replace Allar down the line.
Jack Lambert
Lambert redshirted last season after walking on to the Nittany Lions. He was a part of the developmental squad, even earning development squad Offensive Player of the Week honors twice last season. He likely sits as the No. 4 quarterback, behind Grunkemeyer.
Jaxon Smolik
Before his injury, redshirt freshman Smolik may have had the inside track as the QB for Penn State on the depth chart. When he does return from injury, which is unknown as of now, he’ll be right back in the mix competing with Grunkemeyer. However, it’s likely that he’s slowly brought on in his recovery so there aren’t any setbacks early in his young career.
