Drew Allar wasn't supposed to make waves in Pittsburgh this season, but the rookie quarterback's preseason debut has everyone talking—and not just about his arm. The former Penn State signal-caller, taken 76th overall in this year's draft, lit up the field on Thursday night, completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing score on two carries. It was a performance that had Steelers fans buzzing and Penn State fans scratching their heads.
Allar's night was a masterclass in poise. He spread the ball around, showed off his mobility, and looked every bit the first-round talent many projected him to be. After the game, he credited his preparation and the game plan put together by head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff. "It's a huge confidence boost, but I think I came into the game confident just because of the preparation and everything that has gone on in the last two weeks down in Latrobe," Allar said, via ESPN. "Coach McCarthy and the whole offensive staff put together a really concise game plan… just calling stuff that they know I'm comfortable with and just allowing us to go out and play fast. I feel like they did a great job of putting me in a position to go out and be successful."
While Steelers fans are thrilled to see their rookie show promise, the reaction in Happy Valley is far more complicated. Allar's college career at Penn State was solid—7,402 passing yards and 61 touchdowns—but many Nittany Lions faithful believe he was held back by James Franklin's conservative offensive schemes. The contrast between Allar's comfort in McCarthy's system and his struggles under Franklin has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with fans taking direct aim at the former coach.
"Drew Allar out here making James Franklin look really bad. Hey, I'll admit I've never been sold on Allar. But hopefully all he really needed was to get away from Franklin's [expletive] offense," one fan wrote on X. Another added, "I know it's the preseason, but Drew Allar is showing just how bad of a coach James Franklin was at Penn State." A third commenter noted, "Just look at the differences in Drew Allar's body language & mechanics. You go from James Franklin – LOL – to Mike McCarthy. People drag McCarthy… but he really is a QB Whisperer."
The debate isn't just about Allar's performance; it's about what it reveals about the coaching he received in college. For years, Franklin has faced questions about his ability to develop quarterbacks, and Allar's sudden breakout in a pro system only amplifies those doubts. It's a narrative that's likely to follow Franklin into the upcoming college season, especially as Penn State aims for a playoff berth.
But for now, Allar's focus is on the NFL. Despite his impressive showing, he's not expected to be the Steelers' starter or even the primary backup this fall. Aaron Rodgers is locked in as the Week 1 starter, with former Ohio State standout Will Howard holding the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. The Steelers are likely to let Allar develop quietly behind the scenes, with an eye toward a potential starting role in 2027.
That means fans shouldn't expect to see much of Allar during the regular season, barring injuries. But if Thursday night is any indication, the future is bright for the young quarterback. And for Penn State fans, it's a reminder of what might have been—had Franklin's offense let him loose.
Allar's debut also draws parallels to other young quarterbacks making early impressions. The Raiders' decision to stick with veteran Kirk Cousins despite a strong showing from their rookie echoes the Steelers' cautious approach with Allar. Similarly, the scary preseason injury to 49ers QB Kurtis Rourke serves as a reminder of the risks involved in exhibition games.
As Allar continues to develop, the Steelers' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress. Head coach Mike Tomlin, who is no stranger to stealing the show with classy gestures, will likely be pleased with what he sees from his rookie. But for now, Allar's role is clear: learn, grow, and wait for his opportunity.
For Penn State fans, the wait is over—they've seen what Allar can do in the right system. And for James Franklin, the criticism isn't going away anytime soon.
