How Drew Allar’s Growth Has Penn State Dreaming of a Heisman Trophy in 2025
Drew Allar was in tears.
He had just led an incredible fourth-quarter comeback at USC, taking the game to overtime and pulling off a clutch win — a performance that felt like it solidified the confidence of the young quarterback and his team.
Fast forward to Jan. 9, 2025. Allar was in tears, again.
But this time, for a very different reason.
The Penn State quarterback had just thrown a game-sealing interception, ending an otherwise fantastic season in heartbreaking fashion.
The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat.
The second-year starter took it all in stride.
“I was going through my progression, and honestly, I was trying to throw it at his feet,” Allar told reporters following the Nittany Lions’ College Football Playoff loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. “I should have just thrown it away when I saw that the first two progressions were not open. I just didn’t execute what I was trying to do.”
That interception might be what many remember from the back-and-forth battle. But it shouldn’t define him. Because Drew Allar never stopped fighting.
Allar attacked the offseason with the same grit and growth mindset that brought him to the doorstep of college football’s biggest stage.
Driven to Be Great
In a recent interview, Penn State head coach James Franklin praised Allar’s work ethic.
“He’s an extremely driven and motivated guy,” Franklin told reporters. “He wants to be great. He approaches it the right way, both mentally and physically. I think he’s just gonna continue to take steps in the right direction this year.”
Everything points to Allar continuing to mature and grow.
But the question remains:
Can Allar take the next step and become a Heisman Trophy finalist?
The Numbers: Year-over-Year Progression
2023 Season:
* Completion Rate: 59.9%
* Yards: 2,631
* Yards per Completion: 6.8
* Pass TDs: 25
* Rush TDs: 4
* INTs: 2
* QBR: 136.9
2024 Season:
* Completion Rate: 66.5%
* Yards: 3,327
* Yards per Completion: 8.4
* Pass TDs: 24
* Rush TDs: 6
* INTs: 8
* QBR: 153.5
Allar showed growth across the board, aside from a spike in interceptions — likely a product of being more aggressive throwing to a thin wide receiver group. His increased completion percentage helps underscore improved accuracy and confidence.
Buy The Newest Penn State Gear From Fanatics | Shop Penn State Merchandise on Amazon
How Does Drew Allar Compare to Recent Heisman Winners?
Average Heisman QB (Last 3 Years):
* Touchdowns: 33+
* Passing Yards: 3,000+
* Completion Rate: ~70%
Before the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame, Allar had set a Penn State record with a 72% completion rate. He ultimately finished at 66.5% — just shy of the Heisman tier. He totaled 30 touchdowns — just three short of the average Heisman mark.
And he did all of it with a depleted WR corps.
A Hypothetical 2025 Leap
If Allar takes a modest step forward statistically:
* +5% in Completion Rate → 70.5%
* +10% in Total Yards → 3,630
* +5 Total TDs → 35
Those numbers would put him squarely in line with — or ahead of — recent Heisman winners. But as always, winning matters.
Heisman voters reward quarterbacks who lead their teams on deep Playoff runs and shine in prime-time moments.
Allar will face stiff competition in 2025:
* Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
* Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
Both are poised for breakout campaigns.
But if Allar continues to progress — and leads Penn State through a Playoff push — don’t be surprised if he’s in the Heisman conversation come December.
MORE Penn State Football News from NittanyCentral:
-
Penn State Offense Projection: Drew Allar Leads Dynamic Lineup as Transfer Portal Looms
-
3 Reasons Penn State Football Will Win The National Championship in 2025
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
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.