Penn State saw some clear improvement in the offense this season with a new offensive coordinator in charge, and it looks like Andy Kotelnicki is going to get another year to work with starting quarterback Drew Allar. Allar released a statement on his social media account to confirm he will be back in a Penn State uniform in 2025.
“This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life playing football and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team,” Allar said on his X, formerly known as Twitter, account on Monday. “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.”
Allar has passed for a career-high 2,894 yards and saw his completion percentage go up 10 points this season, his first under Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator. Allar’s passing yardage increased by more than 200 yards this season despite throwing 65 fewer pass attempts so far this season. Allar has also thrown 21 touchdowns, four shy of his 25 thrown in 2023, but Allar will now have the benefit of at least one extra game after helping lead Penn State to the Big Ten championship game and the College Football Playoff this season.
Allar’s decision comes less than 24 hours after it was reported that quarterback Beau Pribula is entering the transfer portal and leaving the team ahead of the playoff. Pribula had been Allar’s primary backup quarterback and he was inserted into the offense at times in place of Allar, or at the same time as Allar in some cases, to change things up a bit. With Pribula gone, Allar will be counted on to keep things moving without relying on his quarterback partner to take some pressure off at times. Of course, tight-end Tyler Warren is still around and capable of taking some snaps at times.
The timing of the Pribula and Allar headlines may not be coincidental.
Allar and Penn State will host SMU this Saturday afternoon for a first-round matchup in the College Football Playoff. The winner will advance to the quarterfinal round to face Mountain West Conference champion Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
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