Penn State enters 2025 with one of the best rosters in college football. Expectations are high, with the Nittany Lions ranked No. 2 in the AP preseason poll, but the team’s success will rest largely on quarterback Drew Allar.
He’s a polarizing player, as many doubt he can lead Penn State to a national title or be valued highly in the 2026 NFL Draft, but ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper recently made a bold prediction about just how good Allar can be.
Mel Kiper Drops A Bold NFL Draft Prediction for Drew Allar Before Penn State’s Season Opener
College football fans can’t seem to agree on Allar. Some believe he’s carried by an elite run game and offensive line, while others see him as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The disagreement only grows regarding Allar’s 2026 NFL Draft projection. Many think he shouldn’t be close to a first-round pick, while others believe he’s a top-ten talent.
Kiper falls into the latter camp. On ESPN’s “Get Up,” he claimed that Allar will be a top-ten pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“He could be in line to be a top-10 pick, maybe one of the top two, three picks overall [in the NFL Draft].”
—@MelKiperESPN on Penn State QB Drew Allar pic.twitter.com/F0mheQfnBo
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 28, 2025
“This offense is ready to roll with Drew Allar this year,” Kiper said. “He could be in line to be a top ten pick, maybe one of the top two, three picks overall.”
It’s a bold prediction, but Kiper makes some valid points. He notes Penn State’s lack of receiving talent last season, and while the low production could be blamed on Allar, much of it fell on the shoulders of the team’s wideouts.
In 2024, Penn State didn’t have a single wide receiver catch more than 50 passes or record over 750 yards. It wasn’t for a lack of passing, however, as Allar connected with players like tight end Tyler Warren, who could consistently separate and make a difference. Warren finished the year with over 100 catches and 1,200 yards.
Despite the lack of production from his wideouts, Allar finished the 2024 season with 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding 302 yards and six scores on the ground.
Read More: Who Is Penn State QB Drew Allar’s Father, and Where Did He Play College Football?
He showed significant improvement from his sophomore season in 2023 to his junior year in 2024, with his completion percentage jumping from 59.9% to 66.5%.
Allar has one of the best arms in the country. He consistently demonstrates the ability to make every throw on the field and fit the ball into tight windows. At 6’5 “and 236 pounds, he also possesses an ideal NFL frame.
#PennState QB Drew Allar (6-5, 238)
Big pocket passer. Velocity to fit passes into tight windows and shows touch on deep throws. Accuracy made a major leap in 2024. pic.twitter.com/1VshgOcc5R
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 19, 2025
His size, arm talent, and improved accuracy already make him an exciting prospect. Combine that with his athleticism to extend plays and make things happen with his legs, and it’s clear why Kiper believes he can be a top-ten pick.
Allar will have the chance to solidify his draft stock during his senior season at Penn State in 2025. With an improved wide receiving corps, he should be able to build on his strong 2024 campaign.
Penn State opens the season on Saturday, August 30, against Nevada at Beaver Stadium at 3:30 p.m. EST, with coverage on CBS.
