**Drew Allar Calls Ohio State “Respected” But Not Rivals—Where Does Penn State Stand in the Big Ten’s Fiercest Battles?**
The dynamics of college football rivalries are constantly evolving, shaped by history, competition, and the shifting balance of power within conferences. Recently, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar made headlines when he referred to Ohio State as a “respected” program but stopped short of labeling the Buckeyes as true rivals. His comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, especially as the Nittany Lions continue to push for elite status in the Big Ten. On one hand, there’s no question about the rivalry with *TTUN* (That Team Up North), the program Ohio State is determined to defeat this season. On the other hand, Penn State’s growing threat cannot be ignored—so where do they truly stand in the hierarchy of the Big Ten’s most intense matchups?
Drew Allar’s characterization of Ohio State as “respected” rather than a rival is telling. For decades, the Buckeyes have been the gold standard in the Big Ten, dominating the conference with elite recruiting, NFL-caliber talent, and consistent contention for national titles. Penn State, while a powerhouse in its own right, has often been a step behind Ohio State in the East Division pecking order. The Nittany Lions have had moments of brilliance against the Buckeyes—think the 2016 upset in Happy Valley or the 2023 near-miss in Columbus—but they haven’t consistently toppled Ohio State in the way required to cement a true rivalry.
A rivalry isn’t just about respect; it’s about animosity, history, and a near-even split in high-stakes games. Ohio State-Michigan is the unquestioned king of Big Ten rivalries because it carries over a century of bad blood, national implications, and a genuine hatred between fanbases. Penn State-Ohio State, while competitive, hasn’t reached that level—yet. Allar’s comments reflect the reality that while the Nittany Lions see Ohio State as a measuring stick, they don’t view them with the same visceral intensity as Michigan does.
But that could be changing. With James Franklin assembling some of his most talented rosters in recent years and Drew Allar emerging as a potential superstar, Penn State is closer than ever to breaking through. If they can start beating Ohio State consistently—especially in games with playoff implications—the “respected” label could quickly morph into something far more heated.
While Penn State debates its rivalry status with Ohio State, there’s no such ambiguity when it comes to *TTUN*. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is the lifeblood of the Big Ten, a clash that transcends football and becomes a cultural event. The bitterness between these two programs is unmatched, fueled by Woody Hayes’ refusal to even say “Michigan,” the ten-year war between Hayes and Bo Schembechler, and modern-day battles with national title implications.
Last season’s loss to Michigan still stings in Columbus, and Buckeye fans are more determined than ever to reclaim dominance in *The Game*. Ohio State’s entire 2024 season will be judged largely on whether they can defeat Michigan, especially with the expanded College Football Playoff raising the stakes even higher. For the Buckeyes, beating Penn State is important—but beating Michigan is *everything*.
Despite Allar’s comments, Penn State cannot be overlooked as a rising thorn in Ohio State’s side. The Nittany Lions have been knocking on the door of the Big Ten’s elite for years, and with the expansion of the playoff, their path to national relevance is clearer than ever. James Franklin has built a program that recruits at a top-10 level, develops NFL talent, and plays with a physicality that can challenge Ohio State’s speed and skill.
The 2023 game in Columbus was a perfect example—Penn State pushed Ohio State to the brink, with Allar showing flashes of brilliance in a hostile environment. Had a few plays gone differently, the narrative around this matchup might already be shifting. The 2024 meeting in Happy Valley could be the game that finally tips the scales, especially if Penn State enters with an unbeaten record and playoff aspirations.
What makes Penn State dangerous is that they don’t carry the same historical weight as Michigan, meaning Ohio State can’t rely on intimidation or tradition to secure a win. The Nittany Lions play with a chip on their shoulder, knowing that defeating Ohio State is their clearest path to conference supremacy. If they can pull off a statement win this season, the “respected” narrative could quickly turn into a full-blown rivalry.
With the additions of Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, the Big Ten is no longer just about the traditional powerhouses. The conference’s new structure means more high-profile matchups, more playoff contenders, and potentially new rivalries forming. But even in this expanded landscape, Ohio State-Michigan will remain the crown jewel, and Ohio State-Penn State will continue to be one of the most consequential games on the schedule.
For Penn State, the challenge is clear: start winning these games consistently. Close losses and moral victories don’t build rivalries—wins do. If Allar can lead the Nittany Lions to a breakthrough against Ohio State, the dynamic between these programs will shift dramatically. Until then, Ohio State will continue to see Penn State as a tough opponent but reserve its true rivalry energy for Michigan.
Drew Allar’s comments about Ohio State being “respected” but not a rival reflect the current state of the Penn State-Ohio State series—competitive, meaningful, but not yet at the level of hatred seen in *The Game*. However, with the balance of power in the Big Ten shifting and Penn State’s program on the rise, that could change sooner rather than later.
For Ohio State, Michigan remains the ultimate rival, the game that defines seasons and legacies. But underestimating Penn State would be a mistake. The Nittany Lions are coming, and if they break through in 2024, the word “rivalry” might start getting thrown around a lot more in this matchup. Until then, Ohio State will keep its focus where it belongs: on beating TTUN and reclaiming Big Ten supremacy.
