
In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, former Penn State star quarterback Drew Allar has officially flipped his commitment and will join the Ohio State Buckeyes as a transfer quarterback, reshaping the Big Ten’s balance of power and setting up a titanic quarterback battle in Columbus.
The 6-foot-5, 280-pound cannon-armed signal caller had long been viewed as the face of the Penn State program. But in a twist few saw coming—after months of quiet rumors, cryptic social media hints, and intense backchannel conversations—Allar has now made it official. He’s heading to The Ohio State University.
With this stunning move, the Buckeyes not only secure one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the country, but they also land a top-tier leader and proven playmaker who brings big-game experience to a program with national title ambitions.
✭ A Stunning Turn of Events
The saga began quietly in early spring, when whispers emerged that Allar, though committed to the Nittany Lions’ future, was reevaluating his trajectory following a turbulent 2024 season. Despite throwing for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns, Allar grew increasingly frustrated with Penn State’s offensive inconsistency and lack of high-level play calling, especially in critical matchups against Michigan and Ohio State.
Sources close to the situation reveal that the firing of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and rumors of internal discord sparked Allar’s initial doubts. However, the emergence of Ryan Day and newly hired QB whisperer Chip Kelly as key recruiters helped tip the scales in Ohio State’s favor.
“He wants to win now. Compete for championships. Get developed for the NFL. And Ohio State checked all those boxes,” a source close to Allar’s family told Rivals.
✭ Why Ohio State? The Fit is Clear
There’s no denying Allar’s immense physical tools. Listed at 6’5″, 280 pounds, he’s built like a tight end with the mobility of a scrambling quarterback and the arm strength of an NFL first-rounder. Now, he joins a Buckeye roster loaded with elite skill talent—including Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith, and TreVeyon Henderson—and a revamped offensive staff that intends to air it out.
What Allar brings:
- Elite Arm Talent: NFL scouts grade Allar’s deep ball among the best in college football. He throws a 65-yard bomb effortlessly.
- Pocket Presence: Despite his size, Allar has great footwork and poise under pressure.
- Experience: 22 career starts in the Big Ten. He’s faced playoff-caliber defenses.
The Buckeyes’ quarterback room was already competitive, but Allar’s arrival elevates it to a championship-level group.
✭ The Fallout at Penn State
For Penn State and head coach James Franklin, this loss is nothing short of devastating. Allar was the centerpiece of a rebuild designed to finally dethrone Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten East. His departure leaves the Lions scrambling with sophomore Jaxon Smolik and freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer as the next in line—both unproven at the national level.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Just days before fall camp begins, the Lions have lost their most important player, and fans are already bracing for a significant step back in 2025.
“This is worse than Justin Fields leaving Georgia,” one PSU fan wrote on Twitter. “He was OUR GUY.”
Despite efforts to retain him—including a reported $1.8 million NIL counter-offer from Penn State collectives—Allar’s decision came down to “development, visibility, and trust,” per sources.
✭ Ryan Day’s Redemption Arc
For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, this commitment is more than just a personnel win. It’s part of a broader redemption arc following a 2024 campaign that saw Ohio State miss the College Football Playoff and lose to Michigan for the fourth time in five years.
The offseason hires of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and Corey Dennis in a new elevated QB development role were clear signs Day was taking the QB position to the next level. Now, with Allar on board, the pressure is back—but so is the swagger.
“Drew Allar might be the most talented QB we’ve had since Justin Fields,” Day said in a statement. “This is a championship-level quarterback joining a championship-level program.”
✭ What This Means for the 2025 Buckeyes
With Allar’s arrival, the Buckeyes now enter the 2025 season as a legitimate national championship favorite. Already ranked No. 3 in preseason projections behind Georgia and Texas, Ohio State’s odds just improved dramatically.
Key assets:
- Receivers Room: The best in the nation. Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. give Allar weapons galore.
- Offensive Line: Four starters return, including All-American guard Donovan Jackson.
- Running Backs: TreVeyon Henderson returns for a senior season, with Dallan Hayden backing him up.
- Defense: Jim Knowles’ defense ranks top-five in every major category.
It’s clear: Ohio State is built to win now. And now they’ve got a quarterback who can run the show.
✭ The Quarterback Battle in Columbus
With Allar’s transfer, the QB room becomes more competitive than ever. The presumed 2025 starter before Allar’s announcement was Devin Brown, who started three games in 2024 and flashed upside, particularly in his mobility and deep throws.
Also on the roster:
- Lincoln Kienholz: A redshirt sophomore with elite dual-threat traits.
- Air Noland: True freshman phenom with a rocket arm.
- Julian Sayin: Alabama flip, five-star stud.
However, insiders believe the job is Allar’s to lose.
“There’s a difference between guys with potential and guys who’ve done it under the lights,” former OSU QB Troy Smith told BTN. “Drew has faced Michigan. He’s faced Penn State pressure. He’s not flinching in The Game.”
✭ NIL Dynamics: A Power Move in the Portal Era
This flip also underscores the evolving role of NIL in high-stakes recruitment. Though specifics remain under wraps, reports suggest Allar’s NIL value could top $2.5 million annually through partnerships, OSU collectives, and endorsement opportunities tied to the Columbus market.
“Ohio State has mastered the art of pairing opportunity with branding,” one Big Ten NIL consultant noted. “Drew Allar is a quarterback who can sell jerseys, lead a team, and headline a championship run. That’s worth every dollar.”
Expect Allar to be heavily featured in upcoming Ohio State media campaigns, from ‘Best Damn Band’ videos to Nike deals.
✭ What’s Next for Drew Allar?
Now that the move is official, Allar will report to campus by July 15th and begin competing immediately in fall camp.
His goals are crystal clear:
- Beat Michigan: The Buckeyes haven’t beaten the Wolverines since 2019.
- Win the Big Ten: With the expanded playoff looming, OSU needs to reassert dominance.
- Become a Top-10 NFL Draft Pick: Many scouts believe Allar has first-round tools, but needs refinement under elite coaching.
By teaming up with Chip Kelly and Ryan Day, Allar may have positioned himself as QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft, alongside names like Cade Klubnik and Nico Iamaleava.
✭ Reactions Pour In Across the College Football World
The college football world didn’t take long to react.
- Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN: “Massive. Allar is a game-changer for Ohio State. Watch out, Big Ten.”
- Joel Klatt, FOX: “Best QB in the portal. Ohio State didn’t just get better—they might’ve just won the offseason.”
- Paul Finebaum, SEC Network: “NIL, transfer portal, playoff expansion—this is modern college football at its most dramatic. And Ryan Day just made a power play.”
✭ Final Thoughts: Ohio State Just Got Dangerous
In the age of portal free agency, power programs are embracing an NFL-style mentality—and Ohio State has just pulled off the equivalent of signing a franchise quarterback in free agency.
Drew Allar flipping to the Buckeyes is more than a recruitment win. It’s a mission statement. One that says: Ohio State isn’t just aiming to beat Michigan. They’re coming for a national title.
And with a 280-pound rocket launcher under center who’s ready to torch defenses, the rest of college football has been put on high alert