There’s a chance we see Penn State vs. Ohio State in the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship. Of course, James Franklin’s program needs to get through Notre Dame, and Ryan Day’s team must defeat Texas first, but it remains a real possibility that we’ll see two conference rivals squaring off in the title contest. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement is palpable!
Allar’s Ohio Roots
If Penn State vs. Ohio State becomes the final game of the College Football Playoff, one of the most intriguing storylines will be about QB Drew Allar and his Ohio roots. Allar may have the state of Pennsylvania behind him as he leads the Nittany Lions into the CFP semifinals, but Ohio is where it all began. The junior QB comes from the Buckeye State, growing up and playing high school football in Ohio before moving east to the state adjacent to his home roots.
A Rematch in the Championship?
If Penn State and Ohio State were to square off in the national championship, it would be a rematch from the regular season. The two Big Ten foes battled in Happy Valley earlier this year, with the Buckeyes emerging victorious on the road with a 20-13 win. This adds even more intensity to the potential championship matchup, as both teams would be eager to prove themselves on the grandest stage.
Drew Allar’s High School Journey
Before starring at Penn State, Allar attended Medina High School in Medina, Ohio, a city about 115 miles northeast of Columbus, home of Ohio State. He started for three seasons at Medina, becoming the team’s starting quarterback as a sophomore. By his senior season, he was a stellar prospect, earning Ohio Mr. Football honors after the year.
Allar drew plenty of interest from colleges, receiving offers from the likes of Tennessee, Louisville, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Michigan. He eventually landed on Penn State, announcing his commitment in March of 2021. That commitment did not stop Ohio State from handing him an offer in September of that year, but Allar elected to go out of state and enroll at Penn State early.
High School Stats That Sparked Interest
Allar was a superstar in high school, which led to him becoming a five-star recruit in the class of 2022. According to 247 Sports, Allar was ranked No. 3 in the country and No. 1 among quarterbacks before committing to Penn State. His impressive high school stats show just how dominant he was on the field:
| Year | Games | Completion Percentage | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
| 2021 | 14 | 59.9% | 4,444 | 48 | 7 |
Drew Allar’s College Performance
Allar took over as Penn State’s starter in 2023. He enjoyed a successful sophomore season, but took another step forward in 2024, excelling for the Nittany Lions. His college stats reflect his growth and adaptability in a competitive environment:
| Year | Games | Completion Percentage | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
| 2022 | 10 | 58.3% | 344 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 | 59.9% | 2,631 | 25 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 | 67.4% | 3,192 | 24 | 7 |
The Road Ahead
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their upcoming contest against Notre Dame, Allar’s journey from Ohio to leading one of college football’s most storied programs is a testament to his talent and determination. The potential for a Penn State vs. Ohio State championship game adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
Will Allar rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory against the Fighting Irish? And if they do make it to the championship, can he exact revenge on the Buckeyes? The answers to these questions will unfold in the coming weeks, and college football fans are in for a thrilling ride!
With the possibility of a championship showdown on the horizon, all eyes will be on Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions as they chase their dreams in the 2025 College Football Playoff.
