NFL.com analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah takes a "first look" at some of college football's top quarterbacks for 2025. This is the first entry in a series of scouting reports that will run in June and July.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s rare combination of prototypical size, experience and production makes him one of the buzziest prospects in college football entering the 2025 season. There was some speculation last winter that he might enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but Allar announced in December his intention to return for his senior year with the Nittany Lions.
The Medina, Ohio, native is on pace to depart Penn State as one of the most decorated QBs in school history. Allar ranks first all-time at PSU in completion rate (62.9%) and interception percentage (1.19%). He ranks third in touchdown passes (53), fifth in completions (530) and sixth in passing yards (6,302).
As a junior in 2024, his second season as the full-time starter, he nearly led his team to the national championship game, earning decisive victories in two playoff games before falling to Notre Dame, 27-24, in the semifinals. Allar struggled against the Fighting Irish and didn’t have his best games against Ohio State and Oregon, either (54 percent completion rate, 3:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio in those three contests), so I’m fascinated to see how he performs on the biggest stages this year, including a matchup at Ohio State on Nov. 1.
Will he position himself as QB1 in next year’s draft with a standout senior year, taking another step in his development? After breaking down Allar's game tape from last year, here is my initial scouting report.
Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 236 pounds (school measurements).
2024 statistics (16 games): 262-of-394 (66.5%) for 3,327 yards (8.4 per attempt), 24 TDs and 8 INTs; 96 carries for 302 yards (3.1 average), 6 TDs.
Game tape watched: vs. Ohio State (Nov. 2, 2024), vs. Washington (Nov. 9, 2024), vs. Oregon (Big Ten title game in Indianapolis; Dec. 7, 2024).
What I liked: Let’s start with the obvious -- Allar has ideal size and arm strength. He has a big, sturdy frame and can generate outstanding velocity with very little effort. He’s at his best on drive throws, especially on deep in-cutting routes. Most big-armed college quarterbacks tend to throw late, but Allar anticipates well and gets the ball out early. He quickly moves through his progression, working the full field and often finding his third option.
While he lacks quickness, he’s shown the ability to escape on occasion and can deliver accurate throws outside the pocket. He can collect free yards given to him when rushing lanes open. I admire his competitive nature, and he’s described as an outstanding worker by NFL scouting sources.
Where he needs to improve: Allar needs to do a better job of making the easy throws and refining his footwork under pressure. He misses too many quick hitters in the games I studied. He gets sped up and loses control of ball flight. He needs to quiet his feet and smooth out his delivery. The good news is that it’s easily fixable. He also has a bad habit of drifting in his drop and failing to set his feet versus pressure. There are times where it’s appropriate to gain distance and rely on fade-away throws against free rushers. However, Allar does it when there is still plenty of time and space to ground his cleats and deliver the ball. Cleaning up that area of his game will improve his overall accuracy.
Biggest takeaway: Penn State was excellent at running back, tight end and on the offensive line last season. However, after studying Allar, I was shocked by how underwhelmingly the receiver corps played. They couldn’t separate, drifted on routes and didn’t fight for the ball. Allar has received plenty of criticism for some crucial turnovers, but after digging in and watching the tape, I don’t think he had much help on the outside. For a top-tier program, there simply weren’t a lot of big-window throws. Allar needs to continue to improve his footwork and decision-making, but he also needs some playmakers on the outside. I know the Nittany Lions were active in the transfer portal this offseason, and hopefully there will be more support for him at the position in 2025.
He reminds me of: My first thought was Kerry Collins, who also spent his college career at Penn State before spending 17 seasons in the NFL. They are big, strong-armed passers with similar athleticism. However, the more I thought about it, the more Allar reminded me of Joe Flacco. Allar and Flacco both make drive throws look so effortless, and when given some space, they can collect yards on the ground. Neither guy is ultra sudden or dynamic, but they find ways to occasionally extend plays and deliver accurate throws on the move. They both prefer to read top to bottom, and they’re always on the lookout for shots to present themselves. Another thing they have in common is the streaky nature of their play. Both guys can string together some impressive throws, but they can also make a few head-scratchers.
Numbers to know: Allar posted a TD-INT ratio of 11:2 on deep throws (20-plus yards) last season and recorded a completion rate of 48.9 percent on such throws, which ranked sixth in the FBS (11 TDs tied for ninth), per Pro Football Focus.