Penn State names true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer as backup quarterback for College Football Playoff

Penn State's backup quarterback position has changed after Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal. True freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer is now the No. 2 QB behind starter Drew Allar as the Nittany Lions prepare for their College Football Playoff game against SMU. Grunkemeyer, a highly-rated recruit from Ohio, has not played in any games this season. He set multiple passing records in high school and was ranked as the seventh-best quarterback in the 2024 class. Behind Grunkemeyer, redshirt freshmen Jack Lambert and Jaxon Smolik are available, but neither has significant game experience. Smolik has been recovering from an injury and was recently cleared to play.