Penn State quarterback Drew Allar enters the 2025 season with high expectations. The junior took a major step forward last year, showing growth both physically and mentally on the field, and is projected to improve even more in his final college season.
Many expect him to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and head coach James Franklin recently explained why he believes NFL teams are high on Allar, including one key trait that not enough people are talking about.
James Franklin Breaks Down What Makes Drew Allar an NFL-Caliber Quarterback
While Allar didn’t post earth-shattering numbers in 2024, he still threw for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 16 games. The Penn State quarterback showed significant improvement from his junior season, especially in accuracy, raising his completion percentage from 59.9% in 2023 to 66.5% last year.
Heading into 2025, he’s generating NFL Draft buzz, with the Las Vegas Raiders projected to take him in the second round of PFSN’s latest 2026 Mock Draft.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Ross Tucker, Franklin explained that Allar checks many of the boxes that the NFL is looking for in a quarterback prospect.
“First of all, he checks a ton of boxes, right?” Franklin said. “The NFL — they have, at every position — here are the list of traits and characteristics we’re looking for. And he just checks a ton of the boxes.”
The head coach pointed to Allar’s size as a key strength, and he’s right. The Nittany Lions quarterback stands 6’5″ and weighs 235 pounds, giving him an ideal frame.
As noted earlier, Allar improved his footwork and accuracy significantly last season and is expected to keep getting better in 2025. He also has arguably the best arm in college football and can make every throw on the field.
DEEP DART DREW 🎯
Drew Allar LAUNCHES a deep ball to Omari Evan’s for a 60 YD gain to the 1 YD line #WeAre | @AllarDrew pic.twitter.com/jsapMNj5fq
— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) November 25, 2023
Franklin says one part of Allar’s game is flying under the radar: his athleticism. Allar isn’t the fastest player and won’t light up the box score with his speed, but the Penn State coach believes he can make plays with his feet. He expects Allar to use his running ability to challenge defenses in 2025.
“We don’t really need him to rush for 100 yards, but if you can pick up two or three first downs with your legs, that frustrates a defense,” Franklin said.
Allar’s rushing ability isn’t elite, but as Franklin points out, he can do enough with his legs to make key plays in big moments for Penn State’s offense.
Allar’s athleticism, combined with his arm talent, accuracy, and size, along with a strong 2025 season, could have NFL scouts and GMs very interested in him come draft day in 2026. But first, Allar, Franklin, and the Nittany Lions will look to claim the team’s first national title since the days of Joe Paterno.
Penn State will open the season against Nevada on August 30. They also have games scheduled against Oregon (the home Whiteout), UCLA at the Rose Bowl, at Iowa, at Ohio State, and Nebraska, among others.
