Drew Allar: Penn State Football’s Heisman Hopeful
Will Drew Allar find himself in the Heisman race?
Allar completed 60 percent of his passes in 2023 for 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and two interceptions. There is no doubt that Allar has a powerful arm and the potential to be a dangerous pocket passer.
Allar (6-foot-5 and 243 pounds) has a lot of talent, but does PSU have the talent surrounding pushing him to Heisman status?
Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State’s offensive coordinator, has spent the past six months getting to know his new quarterback. Kotelnicki said he has seen signs that Allar could have a big season. It’s on Coach K to have an offense prepped and ready to go that complements Allar and sets him up for maximum success.
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Can Drew Allar Make Heisman Trophy Run?
Experts are starting to project Allar as a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Allar, a junior who enters his second season as Penn State’s starter, joins a projected list composed entirely of quarterbacks: Georgia’s Carson Beck, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and predicted winner Jalen Milroe of Alabama.
Allar has become something of a preseason darling. The Associated Press’ Ralph Russo projected the Penn State junior as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, linking him with the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Walter Football ranks Allar as the No. 4 overall quarterback in the 2025 draft class — assuming Allar enters the draft, of course.
So what will Drew Allar need to do to be considered a candidate and possibly find himself in New York City?
Let’s take a look at recent Heisman winners, and compare.
Jayden Daniels
72.2% completion rate
40 TDs
4 INTs
3812 Yards
208 QBR
Last three QBs that won a Heisman
All over 70%
All over 2k yards
Two won national title
33 TD Average
How far off is Drew? He would need an improvement of:
400 Yards to hit 3000 yards in 2024
8 TDs to hit 33 TDs in 2024
10% Completion Rate increase
Considering PSU wide receivers had the most drops in the nation at 11% if Allar can improve 5% and the receivers add 5% more receptions, there’s your 10%. Absolutely doable.
And finally, the WINS.
Going 7-5 doesn’t bag you an invite to NYC.
Look strong in the easy games. Step up in the Big games. Make the playoffs.
In order for Drew Allar to qualify statistically, he would need in 2024:
8 additional TDs over 2023
400 additional yards over 2023
10% increase in completion rate over 2023
This absolutely can be done, and it’s not even a stretch for Allar. That’s why the belief & hype from experts. It’s within reach for Allar and all the fundamentals are there.
So for those folks that scoff at the idea of a Drew Allar Heisman candidate and/or top NFL draft pick, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll see the Penn State Juniors name with the other elite quarterbacks at the end of 2024.
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
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