Penn State’s Challenges Intensify
Penn State is really struggling lately.
The Nittany Lions, who at one point were favored by 26.5 points against UCLA, have recently faced some tough losses. Just one week after a disappointing defeat to a previously winless UCLA, they fell at home to Northwestern on Saturday. The odds for that game had Penn State favored by 21.5 points, according to FanDuel.
This latest setback has sparked discussions about James Franklin’s future, but that’s not the only concern on the table. Their starting quarterback, Drew Allard, has a foot injury, and Franklin has stated that Allard’s season is effectively over. In fact, it was reported that Franklin has been let go.
What does this mean for Allard?
At the beginning of the season, he was touted as a leading contender for the 2026 NFL Draft, even topping early mock drafts during the summer. His impressive arm strength, mobility, and size had many excited. Fans believed that as he progressed, the Nittany Lions could secure a solid playoff spot.
Now, however, those prospects seem dim. Allard’s draft stock, which had already been shaky due to erratic performances and the team’s overall struggles, may plummet even more.
There’s some context to consider here. The NFL Mock Draft Database has tracked Allard’s progress in mock drafts since summer.
Injury reports paint a concerning picture for his prospects. A foot injury that’s sidelined him for the remainder of the season complicates things. Allard might look into a medical redshirt to extend his college career, but, given current regulations, that seems pretty unlikely. He’s already suited up for six games, which exceeds the NCAA’s limits.
If this is indeed the end of his college journey, his draft success could hinge on how quickly he can start prepping for scouts. If he manages to be ready before the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, that could certainly improve his standing.
But if not? Evaluators will have to weigh what he showed at Penn State, for better or worse.
Still, it’s worth noting that there were bright spots in his tenure, even during this rocky season. Remember that nice throw against Villanova? That was a highlight.
On that play, Aller skillfully used his eyes to draw in a safety and then threaded a touchdown pass to Trebor Pena past two defenders.
And there was that impressive touchdown against Oregon State, where he executed a perfect read and delivered a deep score. But, let’s not overlook the interception that effectively ended the game against Oregon State, which marked the start of Penn State’s downward trend.
Allard’s draft prospects were already dimming before his injury, and if he misses out on the draft process, it might be hard for him to get picked in the later rounds.
But here’s the thing: In the NFL, belief in a player can go a long way. Teams are often committed to developing talent, extracting the best from their players.
And one more takeaway? Remember that quarterbacks often see their stock rise as the draft approaches.
