The Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up for an exciting challenge as they embark on their first College Football Playoff run. They’ll face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Thursday, Jan. 9. But as they prepare for this crucial matchup, the team faces a significant setback: second-string quarterback Beau Pribula has entered the transfer portal, leaving the Nittany Lions with a thinner depth chart at quarterback.
Pribula’s decision to enter the portal on Dec. 16, just five days before the playoff game, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the pressures surrounding college football during December. The transfer portal window, which runs from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28, coincides with teams’ preparations for playoff games, creating a unique and challenging dynamic for players and coaches alike.
Penn State head coach James Franklin addressed the situation in a press conference, expressing his understanding of Pribula’s choice. “We got problems in college football, and I can give you my word Beau Pribula did not want to leave our program, and he did not want to leave our program until the end of the season,” Franklin stated. He emphasized that the timing of the transfer portal and the competitive nature of the quarterback position forced Pribula into a tough spot. “He felt like he was put in a no-win situation, and I agree with him,” Franklin added.
With Pribula’s departure, the Nittany Lions are now left without their backup quarterback behind starter Drew Allar. This situation raises questions about who will step up if Allar, who has been a reliable starter, faces any injury or setback during the playoffs. Let’s take a closer look at the current quarterback depth chart for Penn State.
Penn State’s Quarterback Depth Chart
As it stands, the Nittany Lions’ quarterback options are limited. Here’s how the depth chart looks:
|
QB |
Player |
|
1 |
Drew Allar |
|
2 |
Ethan Grunkemeyer |
|
3 |
Jaxon Smolik |
|
4 |
Jack Lambert (Walk-on) |
No. 1: Drew Allar
Drew Allar has been the starting quarterback for Penn State since 2023, and he has shown tremendous potential. A former 5-star recruit and the No. 1 overall signal-caller from his class, Allar has made significant strides this season. In 2023, he threw for 2,631 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Despite facing tough losses against Michigan and Ohio State, Allar has bounced back and is having a productive 2024 season, throwing for 3,192 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67.4% of his passes. However, he has thrown seven interceptions this year and added 547 rushing yards with 11 rushing touchdowns over his three seasons in Happy Valley.
No. 2: Ethan Grunkemeyer
With Pribula’s exit, true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer steps into the No. 2 quarterback role. Grunkemeyer was also highly regarded coming out of high school, earning a four-star rating and ranking as the No. 7 overall quarterback prospect in the class of 2024. While he has yet to see any game action this season, he brings impressive high school stats to the table, having thrown for 6,036 yards and 64 touchdowns over two seasons, according to Max Preps. Can he rise to the occasion if called upon?
No. 3: Jack Lambert
Next on the depth chart is redshirt freshman Jack Lambert, a former walk-on who has not yet seen any game action. Lambert’s journey reflects the unpredictable nature of college football, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
No. 4: Jaxon Smolik
Lastly, there’s redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik, who has faced his own challenges this season with a lingering injury. Recently cleared to play, Smolik’s return could provide some much-needed depth, but he will need to quickly get back into game shape.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Penn State?
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their playoff game against Notre Dame, the stakes are higher than ever. The loss of Pribula could impact the team’s overall strategy and game plan. Allar will need to stay healthy and perform at his best, as the team’s success may hinge on his ability to lead the offense effectively.
The dynamic nature of college football, especially during the playoff season, means that teams must be ready for anything. The pressure is on, and the Nittany Lions will need to rally together as they face this new challenge. Can they overcome the obstacles and make a deep playoff run? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement is palpable, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how this story unfolds.
