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Allar's Return Fuels Penn State's No. 2 Ranking, Heisman Hype
25 Aug
Summary
- Allar's return boosts Penn State to No. 2 in AP Top 25
- Nittany Lions add new offensive weapons via transfers
- Allar eyes Heisman Trophy and Big Ten title in 2025
As of August 25th, 2025, the Penn State Nittany Lions are riding high with a No. 2 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll, thanks in large part to the return of quarterback Drew Allar. Allar, who was a highly touted recruit in 2024, is poised to build on a promising freshman campaign and lead the Nittany Lions' charge towards a Big Ten title and a potential spot in the national championship game.
While the team did lose some key contributors from last season, including wide receiver Tyler Warren and linebacker Abdul Carter, Penn State has reloaded with several high-profile transfer additions. Trebor Pena, a four-star transfer from Syracuse, and Devonte Ross, another four-star arrival from Temple, are expected to provide Allar with new offensive weapons. The team also landed Kyron Hudson, a transfer from USC, who chose Penn State over an offer from SMU.
With a favorable early-season schedule, Allar is expected to put up big numbers in the first few games, potentially surpassing 300 passing yards in each of the team's first three contests. However, the Nittany Lions will face a significant test in Week 4 when they host Oregon and head coach Dan Lanning, who helped devise a plan that led to two interceptions for Allar last season.
If the Nittany Lions can navigate their early-season schedule and emerge unscathed, they'll set up a highly anticipated Big Ten title game rematch against defending national champion Ohio State. This time, Allar and the Nittany Lions will be the more experienced team, with a deep receiving corps and a potent running game led by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Ultimately, the combination of Allar's return, the team's reloaded offense, and a defense that has continued to improve has Penn State poised to make a long-awaited return to the national championship game, which will be played in Miami on January 19th, 2026. The Nittany Lions will have their sights set on avenging their past playoff disappointments and bringing home the school's first national title since 1986.
