(WHTM)– Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft got emotional Monday when asked about quarterback
Drew Allar’s season-ending injury and his future as a football player.
During Monday’s press conference, Kraft was asked what he thought about Allar’s injury, what he meant to Penn State, and Kraft’s thoughts on what Allar has done during his career as a Nittany Lion.
Kraft, who took a second to gather his thoughts, said it would be hard not to get emotional about the subject. “He’s just an amazing kid,” said Kraft. “He’s been through a lot.”
Allar suffered the season-ending injury with just over three minutes left in the game against Northwestern. The Nittany Lions would go on to lose the matchup 22-21.
“Anyone who has ever doubted that young man’s commitment to Penn State, and Penn State Football, you don’t know what the hell you are talking about, said Kraft.”
He continued to praise Allar’s character, saying there is “not a negative word that comes up” when he thinks of Drew, before tearing up.
Kraft continued to discuss the current state of Penn State football, saying the program wants to win, but he doesn’t think of these players in the same way fans do. He thinks of them as sons.
“No matter the outcomes of our games, I want every one of our athletes to finish everything they start, in life, and in games,” Kraft said. “[Allar] is going to be an incredible pro football player and an incredible ambassador for this program, and I got to be honest, the fact that he stuck with us is pretty awesome.”
Despite his final season with the program ending early, Allar has etched his name into Nittany Lion history. According to the football program, Allar ranks first all-time at Penn State in completion percentage and interception percentage, third in touchdown passes and passing efficiency, fifth in completions, and tied for fifth in 200-yard passing games with 16.
Allar will conclude his Penn State career having thrown for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns. His career passing yards are fourth all-time behind Sean Clifford, Trace McSorley, and Christian Hackenberg, all of whom played under James Franklin.
Ethan Grunkemeyer will take over as Penn State’s starting quarterback with Terry Smith serving as the interim head coach following Franklin’s firing.
Penn State Football fans will get closer than ever to the team this fall with Nittany Nation & Nittany Insiders. Tune in to Nittany Nation every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. for a breakdown of Penn State’s matchup and players looking to make an impact on and off the field. Check your local listings or watch on NittanyNationTV.com during the football season.
You can also get the latest updates from Nittany Nation on X and Instagram.
Here’s a look at Penn State’s regular season schedule for 2025 as they seek a return to the College Football Playoffs
- August 30 – WIN vs. Nevada (46-11)
- September 6 – WIN vs. FIU (34-0)
- September 13 – WIN vs. Villanova (52-6)
- September 27 – LOSS vs. Oregon, (30-24) (White Out)
- October 4 – LOSS vs UCLA (42-37)
- October 11 – LOSS vs. Northwestern (22-21)
- October 18 – at Iowa, 7 p.m.
- November 1 – at Ohio State, TBA
- November 8 – vs. Indiana, TBA (Helmet Stripe)
- November 15 – at Michigan State, TBA
- November 22 – vs Nebraska, TBA
- November 29 – at Rutgers, TBA
Penn State fans are also getting a look at changes inside Beaver Stadium amid a $700 million renovation.
During the 2025 season, fans will see 7,900 temporary bleacher seats installed on top of the suite level, along with temporary concession and restroom amenities for the season. The football program has said it will maintain one of the largest stadium capacities in the country.
Fans got their first look at the construction during the Blue-White Game earlier this year. Here’s what the construction looked like for the spring game.
The Beaver Stadium renovation project is scheduled to be completed before the 2027 football season.
By rssfeeds-admin 