After leading PSU to a 3-0 finish as a starter, Grunkemeyer's 2026 destination remains the biggest question in State College.(Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
For the first time since Matt Campbell was hired as Penn State’s head coach, Penn State starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer met with the media Wednesday to discuss the Nittany Lions‘ upcoming matchup with Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, the Matt Campbell hire, and his future.
Ethan Grunkemeyer Meets the Media: The State of the Penn State QB Room
The redshirt freshman signal caller from Ohio was not expected to play a large role for Penn State this season with senior Drew Allar returning for a third straight year starting for the Nittany Lions.
However, after an October injury to Allar, Grunkemeyer stepped up in a massive way for the Nittany Lions, leading PSU to bowl eligibility and finishing the season with a three-game winning streak.
In six starts, Grunkemeyer threw for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns and four interceptions, completing 69.4 percent of his passes.
Now, with only the Pinstripe Bowl looming before the offseason and the transfer portal opening, Grunkemeyer has a big decision to make ahead of the 2026 season: whether to remain in State College with new head coach Matt Campbell or enter the transfer portal seeking another opportunity for next season.
The Campbell Connection: A Relationship Born in the Midwest
As discussed was the plan by Matt Campbell in his opening press conference earlier this month, Grunkemeyer has met with Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser.
“I like the kind of people they are and how they carry themselves.” Grunkemeyer told reporters Wednesday.
Talking about Mouser, Grunkemeyer noted “they obviously do some really good stuff on offense, so I’m excited about that.”
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“Nothing Decided Yet”: Addressing the Transfer Portal Elephant in the Room
Campbell noted during his initial press conference that he recruited Ethan Grunkemeyer at Iowa State during his tenure before Grunkemeyer chose Penn State.
Grunkemeyer noted that he has “nothing decided yet” regarding his future, whether that be in State College or elsewhere. Grunkemeyer noted that he is “just focused on this game [the Pinstripe Bowl] and then making decisions after that…First and foremost, finishing on a high note through a challenging season, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
On a potential decision for 2026, Grunkemeyer noted that his “goal” is to “find the best situation possible.”
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- Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer Breaks Silence on Matt Campbell, Mulls His Future - December 17, 2025
- Penn State Offense is Set: Matt Campbell Raids Iowa State for New Coordinator and 2 Key Assistants - December 11, 2025
- Jim Knowles Hired in SEC after 1 Year At Penn State - December 10, 2025
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