Drew Allar’s Potential Departure from Penn State: A Warning for the Future of the Program if the Head Coach is Not Fired
The future of Penn State football is firmly tied to the development and success of Drew Allar, the highly regarded quarterback who was expected to lead the team into a new era of dominance in the Big Ten. Allar, a five-star recruit, was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class, and his potential to take over as the face of the program in 2023 was a key reason for optimism among fans and analysts alike. However, as the Nittany Lions enter 2024, there are growing concerns that if the leadership at the top, specifically Head Coach James Franklin, is not reevaluated, Drew Allar could leave the program—and with him, the dreams of a championship-contending future for Penn State football.
Drew Allar’s Arrival and Potential at Penn State
When Drew Allar arrived at Penn State, the expectations surrounding him were astronomical. The young quarterback’s physical tools, including his arm strength, size, and ability to read defenses, made him one of the most talked-about prospects in college football. Allar’s performance during the 2023 season—his first year as a starter—was solid, though not without its struggles. While the team as a whole showed promise, particularly on defense, Allar’s development as a quarterback became the central focus for the future. His success or failure would likely determine whether Penn State could break through and compete with elite programs like Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.
However, Allar’s potential at Penn State is being compromised by a lingering issue that has plagued the program for years: inconsistency in offensive strategy and playcalling under Franklin. While Franklin has established a strong recruiting pipeline and has been able to field competitive teams, his offensive approach, particularly in key games, has often been criticized for being too conservative and predictable. As one of the best young quarterbacks in the country, Allar needs an offensive system that takes full advantage of his skills. Without the right environment to thrive, Allar’s development could be stunted, leaving him with the painful choice of staying at a program with limited upside or seeking a fresh start at another school.
The Stagnation of Penn State’s Offense Under Franklin
A key factor in Allar’s potential departure from Penn State is the stagnation of the team’s offense during Franklin’s tenure. While Franklin has done an admirable job rebuilding the program into a competitive force in the Big Ten, his offensive philosophy has been a major point of contention. For years, critics have pointed to the lack of explosive plays and creativity in the offense, especially in big games against elite competition. This has led to frustrating performances and narrow losses in high-stakes matchups, further raising doubts about Franklin’s ability to adapt and grow as a coach.
Allar, who came to Penn State with the hopes of becoming an elite quarterback, must feel the weight of this stagnation. As a highly coveted talent with NFL aspirations, Allar is unlikely to be content with a system that doesn’t fully showcase his abilities. If the offensive scheme does not evolve to take advantage of his strengths—such as his deep ball accuracy, poise in the pocket, and ability to read defenses—Allar’s development may be hindered. A quarterback with Allar’s talent deserves to be in an environment that fosters his growth, and if he feels that Penn State is not the right place for that development, the lure of transferring to a program with a more dynamic offense will be strong.
Allar’s Frustration and the Threat of Transfer
The advent of the transfer portal has shifted the balance of power in college football. Players now have the freedom to leave their programs without facing the same restrictions that once kept them tied to a specific school. This new era of player mobility means that talented athletes like Drew Allar can find opportunities to play for other programs if they feel that their current situation is not conducive to their success. For Allar, this freedom could be an attractive option if Penn State’s offensive struggles continue under Franklin’s watch.
If Allar perceives that the coaching staff is not making the necessary changes to allow him to reach his potential, or if the program fails to consistently contend for championships, he may decide to explore other options. Given his skill set and potential, Allar would be a highly sought-after transfer, and several elite programs would likely show interest. If Penn State loses its star quarterback, it would be a massive setback for the program, erasing years of recruiting efforts and hopes for a title run.
Franklin’s Job Security and the Impact on Allar
The relationship between Drew Allar and James Franklin is crucial to the future of Penn State football. If Franklin does not address the concerns about the offense and prove that he can evolve as a coach, the prospect of Allar leaving becomes more likely. Franklin’s job security has been a topic of discussion in recent years, as although he has had success with the program, he has yet to break through and win a Big Ten title or make a serious playoff run. As the pressure mounts on Franklin to deliver a championship-caliber team, the fate of his tenure—and by extension, Allar’s future at the school—will be closely watched.
For Allar, playing in a system that maximizes his abilities is paramount. As a young quarterback with aspirations to play in the NFL, he needs to be in an environment where he is given the opportunity to grow and showcase his skills on the national stage. If Franklin’s coaching staff fails to provide that environment, Allar could look for a program that offers a better fit for his development.
The Future of Penn State Football
Drew Allar’s potential departure from Penn State would send shockwaves through the program. As the most promising quarterback the school has had in years, his loss would represent a failure to capitalize on one of the most important recruiting wins in recent history. However, his departure would also serve as a wake-up call for Penn State’s leadership. If the university’s administration does not hold Franklin accountable for the program’s offensive shortcomings and failure to compete at the highest level, they risk losing not only Allar but also future top-tier recruits who may see Penn State as a program that cannot nurture their potential.
In the end, Drew Allar’s potential departure is a warning for Penn State football’s future. If changes are not made to improve the offensive system and adapt to the demands of modern college football, the Nittany Lions could lose their star quarterback and face a significant setback in their pursuit of a championship. The ball is in Franklin’s court—if he fails to evolve, the future of the program could be in jeopardy.
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