Big Ten logo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch

As the Penn State Nittany Lions prepare for their first College Football Playoff appearance in school history when they host the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, the team received some good news.

Junior quarterback Drew Allar announced Monday that he would return to State College for one final season.

Allar announced the news on his social media accounts shortly before noon.

“This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had playing football, and I’m so proud what we’ve accomplished as a team,” Allar said to open his statement.

“I know there’s still more work to do which is why I look forward to making more memories with my teammates this year and beyond,” he added.

Allar was one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks this season, throwing for 2,894 yards (second in the conference) and 21 touchdown passes. He threw seven interceptions, but five of the seven came in Penn State’s overtime win against USC or Big Ten Championship loss to Oregon. He threw just two interceptions outside of those two games.

Analysts had Allar as a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but by returning to school, that grade could rise after next season.

Sunday night, Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula announced his decision to transfer, likely due to Allar’s decision to stick around for another season.

[Drew Allar]