Penn State head football coach James Franklin delivered a powerful message For the Nittany Lions
Penn State football’s locker room is still feeling the impact of the game-changing, season-ending interception thrown by QB Drew Allar in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Notre Dame, which cost them a chance at the national championship.
However, head coach James Franklin is not allowing Allar or the other players to dwell on it. Instead, the Nittany Lions coaching staff is urging the players to use the experience as a learning opportunity.
“I believe this year’s experience will be beneficial, much like what we’ve seen with other programs,” Franklin stated during his winter press conference.
“We know what it feels like. You create a plan, establish a routine, and then conduct a review of how everything went as a program. The players do this as well, and then we tackle the challenges ahead. However, the most crucial aspect is to use all of our experiences, both good and bad, to improve and grow. That’s what I see all of our players, including Drew, doing.
“Clearly, when the season ends the way it did, everyone feels disappointed, and usually, the players and coaches are the most let down because of the significant time and effort invested.
“There’s only one team in college football that finishes the season happy at this level, and what matters most for all of us is that we learn from our experiences and grow, and that’s exactly what we’re all doing.”
From what it seems, Allar’s choice to return for another season appears to be a form of redemption for that interception. Despite being projected as a first-round pick in several mock drafts, Allar decided to stay.
Franklin’s positive assessment of the quarterback as he enters the offseason lends further support to Allar’s decision, which could ultimately benefit him in the 2026 NFL draft.
Of course, it will be Allar’s performance—and cutting down on interceptions—that could establish him as one of the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft.
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