In the aftermath of Penn State’s heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal, quarterback Drew Allar faced significant scrutiny for his performance. The pivotal moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when Allar, under pressure, threw an interception intended for wide receiver Omari Evans. This turnover allowed Notre Dame to secure a game-winning field goal, sealing Penn State’s fate.

Reflecting on the interception, Allar expressed regret, stating, “I should have just thrown it away when I felt the first two progressions not open just because of the situation we were in.” Despite the criticism, head coach James Franklin offered unwavering support, emphasizing Allar’s commitment and resilience: “Drew is a passionate guy, he invests so much into his development, but also his teammates and Penn State. He’ll handle this how he handles everything else — with a first-class approach.”

The loss also highlighted broader team challenges. Notably, none of Penn State’s wide receivers recorded a catch during the game, underscoring issues in the passing game and offensive strategy. Critics pointed to both the players and coaching decisions as contributing factors to the defeat. Analyst Joel Klatt remarked, “My heart breaks for Drew Allar – and it’s not just because of what happened, but also because he’s going to get too much of the blame.”

In a significant decision following the season, Allar announced he would return to Penn State for another year, foregoing the opportunity to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. This choice reflects his determination to grow from the experience and lead the Nittany Lions in the upcoming season.