Penn State QB Drew Allar Faces NFL Draft Decision After CFP Success

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, a 20-year-old phenom, is at a career crossroads as his team prepares to face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Despite previously announcing his intention to return to Penn State for the 2025 season, Allar’s standout performances in the CFP have reignited speculation about his potential entry into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Allar, a five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2022 high school class, has led the Nittany Lions to a 13-2 record this season, throwing for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. His team’s victories over SMU and Boise State in the CFP have positioned Penn State for a shot at its first national championship since 1986. With the NFL draft declaration deadline extended to January 24 due to the later CFP championship game, Allar has time to reconsider his decision.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Allar possesses the physical traits NFL teams covet in a quarterback. His powerful arm, combined with his youth and limited college starts (28), makes him a tantalizing prospect. However, his game remains raw in areas such as pocket awareness and accuracy under pressure. Despite these challenges, Allar’s upside is undeniable, and his performance in the CFP could significantly boost his draft stock.

Draft analysts, including Dane Brugler of The Athletic, suggest that Allar’s decision could hinge on his performance in the Orange Bowl. “All it takes is one team looking at Allar winning a couple of playoff games and saying, ‘We love the progression, we like where he’s headed, this is the guy for us,’” Brugler said. The New York Giants, holding the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, are among the teams closely monitoring Allar’s development.

If Allar declares for the draft, he would enter a quarterback class currently led by Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, both of whom lack Allar’s physical tools. While the 2026 draft class is expected to be deeper and more talented, Allar’s unique combination of size, arm strength, and youth could make him a top-10 pick in 2025. Conversely, staying at Penn State for another season would allow him to refine his skills and potentially compete for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026.

As Allar takes the field against Notre Dame, the NFL will be watching closely. His decision could reshape the 2025 draft landscape and determine the trajectory of his professional career.