Penn State QB starting projections 2024: Who will be James Franklin's QB1

The Penn State Nittany Lions enter 2024 with no quarterback competition, as last year's starter Drew Allar is back. Coach James Franklin has been able to have a set quarterback entering the season for the last couple of years, from Sean Clifford to now Allar.

The depth behind Allar is also solid, as the backup role is also locked down. Here's a look at who will be the Nittany Lions starting quarterback in 2024.

Who will be James Franklin's QB1 at Penn State in 2024?

Drew Allar will be the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions in 2024. Allar was the starter in 2023, as he went 233 for 389 for 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns and two interceptions. Entering his second year as the starting quarterback, there is pressure on him to lead the Nittany Lions to the playoffs.

“One thing I’ve talked a lot to Danny about this offseason is playing loose and free, having fun and being myself,” Allar told Penn Live. “They’ve done a great job of letting me do that. I think that’s when I’m playing at my best. And that’s the level I want to be at consistently...

“I think there’s a level of patience people need to have with quarterback play because it’s not as easy as people make it out to be. Like anything in life, the more experience you’re gaining, the more knowledge you’re gaining, as long as you’re learning from the mistakes earlier in your career you’re going to get better.”

Allar enters 2024 with odds of +4500 to win the Heisman Trophy, which implies a 2.2% chance.

Penn State's QB depth chart

Behind Allar as Penn State's backup quarterback is Beau Pribula. Pribula went 11 for 21 for 149 yards and four touchdowns last season.

The Nittany Lions also have freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who is a four-star recruit in the class of 2024, in the system. He was the eighth-ranked quarterback in the class of 2024.

Finally, the Nittany Lions also have freshman quarterback Jack Lambert. He committed in 2023 as a preferred walk-on.

Penn State opens its 2024 season against West Virginia on Aug. 31.