College football fans nationwide are excited for the new season to start. Everyone wants to know who will be the next champion. But before that, teams have to win their conference titles.
In the Big Ten, many powerful teams are ready to compete. Ohio State and Oregon are building strong teams again, and Michigan is starting fresh with a new quarterback. But according to ON3’s J.D. PicKell, the Nittany Lions might have the most reliable player in the conference. He says quarterback Drew Allar is the most sure thing in the conference.
Analyst Backs Penn State as Big Ten Title Favorite with QB Drew Allar at the Helm
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Penn State’s chances to win the Big Ten Conference title rise daily. The Big Ten is packed with top-tier powerhouses, especially the defending champion, Ohio State.
Yet, despite the competition, analysts continue to highlight Penn State’s rare advantage. According to football analyst PicKell, their starting quarterback, Allar, is that advantage heading into the new season after coming off a strong 2024 campaign.
He said, “I mean, Penn State brings back their quarterback, the most sure thing in the conference, Drew Allar. They bring back both dudes in the backfield. I mean, you have to believe now with what Penn State’s done on the defensive side of the football.”
In the breakdown of Big Ten tiers, PicKell also placed Penn State in a category he labeled “make them believe,” urging the team to finally deliver on its potential. “I feel good about Penn State,” he said. “But in this specific instance, I need you to kick the door down, make us all believe that you are who you could potentially be here in 2025.”
Allar, now entering his third season, is surrounded by a veteran backfield and a defense that remains one of the most consistent in the Big 10. While other teams are rebuilding, Penn State has many key players returning. That makes this season feel like a big chance to win.
The 21-year-old quarterback had a great 2024 season. He threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also threw eight interceptions, completing 66.5% of his passes with a QBR of 77.5, ranked 16th nationally.
ESPN on PSU Senior QB Drew Allar.
Accurate & fine.
The “needs” category come with time & experience.
You only become polished in any role with time.
That’s why NFL scouts & media are so high on Allar. The couple places he needs to improve, will come. pic.twitter.com/E6s4lKhOVQ— 🇧 🔟🇧 🇪 🇾 🇴 🇳 🇩 (@B10BEYOND) June 12, 2025
Penn State also had a great run last season, finishing with a 13–3 record and reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they narrowly lost to Notre Dame 27–24. This year, hopes are high, as PicKell sees them as a potential Big Ten title winner.
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However, he didn’t shy away from the pressure. “I’ve been openly skeptical about Penn State… I am curious of the roster talent level relative to what it’s going to take to win the Big Ten here in 2025,” he said. “You got yourself in that game last year. Can you push yourself even further through the finish line to be a Big Ten kind of champion?”
With Allar returning, Penn State has a strong chance this year. They also have an experienced group of running backs and one of the best defenses in the conference. Everything seems to be coming together at the right time. So, the CFB analysts think this could be Penn State’s best chance to win.
