NGT Drew Allar

[Rosehill Jimmy]

Schefter is reporting that Allar has informed school officials of his intention to return for 2025 season

[Puffy]

Makes sense.  Penn St's backup just entered the Transfer Portal late last week.

[londonblue]

He was the QB in the draft Mara was most likely to get the hots for so it is probably a good thing he is going back to school given how far off NFL ready he still is despite his improvement this season.

[uconnjack8]

Makes sense.  Penn St's backup just entered the Transfer Portal late last week.

Hadn't seen that.  That kid looks like he had some upside.

[MightyGiants]

https://x.com/abc27News/status/1868719900350398561

[PSUBeirut]

Great news for me as a PSU fan.  Drew really improved this year and I think another year under his belt he could very well vault himself into Round 1 consideration.  My only prayer now is we give him some wide receivers to work with, as he won't be able to rely on Tyler Warren next year after he heads to the draft this spring (of course...oddly enough PSU is now turning into TE University and we have some really good ones ready to step in for Warren also). 

Hate to see his backup leave because I think he could be really good as well, but it makes sense in today's college world.  Go somewhere to play, get developed, and maybe get some of that NIL $$$ as a starting QB a year sooner than anticipated.

[TDToomer]

He was the QB in the draft Mara was most likely to get the hots for so it is probably a good thing he is going back to school given how far off NFL ready he still is despite his improvement this season.

Says who? Mara does not and should not be the one choosing or favoring the QB that Schoen or whoever the GM is will be picking. I think the rumors of meddling is completely fabricated. Jones was all Gettleman for instance.

[PSUBeirut]

An interesting article, for those interested, about the weird dynamics of the transfer portal being open right in the middle of preparations for CFB playoff.  Seems like some higher-ups didn't really think this through very well:  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43006390/penn-state-coach-says-timing-transfer-portal-no-win-situation

[Ed Vette]

Potentially one of the top QBs in the 2026 Draft.

[Bob In PA]

Great news for me as a PSU fan.  Drew really improved this year and I think another year under his belt he could very well vault himself into Round 1 consideration.  My only prayer now is we give him some wide receivers to work with, as he won't be able to rely on Tyler Warren next year after he heads to the draft this spring (of course...oddly enough PSU is now turning into TE University and we have some really good ones ready to step in for Warren also). 

Hate to see his backup leave because I think he could be really good as well, but it makes sense in today's college world.  Go somewhere to play, get developed, and maybe get some of that NIL $$$ as a starting QB a year sooner than anticipated.

PSU: I don't understand (or like) the timing.

Why announce it today (as opposed to after their final game, whenever that might be)?

There has to be an "advantage" for Allar (or someone else) in doing so, but I don't see it.

Bob

PS. Wild guess. An attempt to lure a top WR to enter the transfer portal???

[AYM]

Says who? Mara does not and should not be the one choosing or favoring the QB that Schoen or whoever the GM is will be picking. I think the rumors of meddling is completely fabricated. Jones was all Gettleman for instance.

Someone over on BBI compiled a list the other day of known instances of his meddling, but the biggest this season is the obvious - when Jones went to ask for his release, he didn't go to the coach or GM, he went straight to Mara. In other words, his direct report.

[T200]

Someone over on BBI compiled a list the other day of known instances of his meddling, but the biggest this season is the obvious - when Jones went to ask for his release, he didn't go to the coach or GM, he went straight to Mara. In other words, his direct report.

This is a great take, IMO:

of the term "meddling."

Meddling in this context is not John Mara walking into Schoen's office in 2023 and saying "You need to sign Jones, full stop." It is making it very clear in conversation that he likes Jones, thinks the team has let him down, and publicly talks about how they need to do better by him. He is a non-football person letting a subordinate know exactly what his preferred path is.

If you want John Mara on the stand admitting he ordered the code red, than yes, nobody will ever convince you Mara meddles because he doesn't do that.

[PSUBeirut]

PSU: I don't understand (or like) the timing.

Why announce it today (as opposed to after their final game, whenever that might be)?

There has to be an "advantage" for Allar (or someone else) in doing so, but I don't see it.

Bob

PS. Wild guess. An attempt to lure a top WR to enter the transfer portal???

My guess is that he was trying to do right by Pribula, which I admire.  I'm sure he worked with JF and Pribula on the timing so that Beau could enter the portal window at a time when he was most likely to be picked up as a starter somewhere else.  Unfortunately, that portal timing drove Allar's announcement....all during prep for the 1st playoffs.  I think that's why Franklin is a bit miffed at the NCAA for the timing on all this...it's not what's best for kids (or the team prepping for a game, to be fair). 

I also don't discount the draw to bring in a SORELY needed WR through the portal.  Who wouldn't want to come play for a top 5 team with a potential 1st round QB at the helm?

[Bob In PA]

Who wouldn't want to come play for a top 5 team with a potential 1st round QB at the helm?

PSU: Even if that's not why he chose this timing it's an added benefit (assuming there are any other). Bob