He’s still just a kid, basically. Even if he’s 6'5" and weighs 240 pounds.
When you see a guy that size standing in the pocket at Beaver Stadium, it is easy to assume he’s been around forever. But the truth about how old is Drew Allar is actually more surprising than his arm strength. Born on March 8, 2004, Drew Allar is currently 21 years old. He’ll hit that big 22-year-old milestone in the spring of 2026, right around the time the NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.
It feels like he’s lived a whole decade of football in the last three years. From being the five-star savior of Penn State to the guy rehabbing a brutal ankle injury that derailed his senior season, he’s seen the highest highs and the lowest lows. Honestly, most 21-year-olds are just trying to figure out their major; Allar was trying to figure out how to beat Ohio State while carrying the weight of a massive fan base on his shoulders.
The Timeline of a Teenage Prodigy
Drew didn't just appear out of nowhere. Growing up in Medina, Ohio, he was already a local legend before he could legally buy a beer. He was the guy who stayed home to go to Cleveland Browns games with his dad. He was the Ohio Mr. Football winner.
By the time he stepped onto campus in State College as an 18-year-old freshman in 2022, the hype was already at a fever pitch.
Think about that for a second.
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An 18-year-old kid walking into a locker room full of grown men, many of whom were 22 or 23 thanks to the "COVID year" eligibility rules. He didn't start right away—Sean Clifford was still there—but every time he took a snap, you could see why the scouts were drooling. He threw 60 passes that year without an interception. He was playing like a vet before he even had his own apartment.
Why Age Matters for His NFL Draft Stock
Scouts are obsessed with age. It's kinda weird, but it's the reality of the business.
Because Allar is only 21, he’s viewed as a "developmental" prospect with a massive ceiling. If he were 24, like some of the quarterbacks who have come out recently, teams might be worried that he’s already peaked. But at 21? He’s basically clay.
The 2026 NFL Draft is where things get interesting. Despite a senior year that ended prematurely in October 2025 due to a broken left ankle against Northwestern, his age is actually his biggest ally. Teams look at him and see a guy who won’t even be 25 by the time his rookie contract is up.
The Reality of the 2025 Senior Season
People expected a massive jump this past year. It didn't quite happen the way the script was written.
Penn State had huge expectations. National title hopes. The whole nine yards. Allar started the season hot, completing over 80% of his passes against Nevada. But then things got rocky. The offense struggled, the Nittany Lions dropped three straight games, and James Franklin was eventually let out.
Then came the injury.
Watching a 21-year-old leader try to navigate a coaching change and a season-ending injury simultaneously is tough. He stayed with the team, though. He showed up to help the freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer. He acted like a captain because, well, he was one.
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A Quick Look at the Numbers (No Fluff)
- Birth Date: March 8, 2004
- Current Age (Early 2026): 21
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 235-240 lbs
- Career Passing Yards: 7,402 (4th all-time at PSU)
- Career Touchdowns: 61 (3rd all-time at PSU)
- Interception Percentage: 1.30% (Best in school history)
That last stat is the one that really gets people. He protects the football. In his first few seasons, he looked like he was allergic to throwing picks.
Addressing the Misconceptions
Some people think Allar "failed" because he didn't win a Big Ten title. That’s a bit harsh.
Football is the ultimate team sport, and Penn State’s struggles over the last year weren't solely on the quarterback’s shoulders. The accuracy issues that popped up in 2025 were real, sure. But you have to look at the context. He was under pressure. The run game wasn't as dominant as it used to be. The wide receiver corps was young.
Most importantly, he played through it all until his body literally gave out.
What’s Next for Allar in 2026?
Right now, it’s all about the rehab.
He’s working to get that left ankle back to 100% for the NFL Scouting Combine. There’s a lot of chatter about where he’ll land. Some analysts have him as a Day 2 pick now—a far cry from the "future #1 overall pick" talk we heard a couple of years ago. But honestly? That might be the best thing for him.
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Going to a team where he doesn't have to start on Day 1 could be huge. Imagine him sitting behind a veteran for a year or two. He’d still only be 23 or 24 when he takes over. That’s the "Jordan Love" path, and it’s worked out pretty well for some guys.
The story of Drew Allar isn't over. Not even close.
He’s a 21-year-old with the arm of a God and the experience of a seasoned pro. Whether he becomes a franchise starter or a high-end backup, his age gives him the one thing every NFL team wants: time.
If you're tracking his progress, the first big date to watch is the NFL Combine. If he can show he's mobile again, expect those draft boards to shift quickly. Keep an eye on his recovery updates through the Penn State training staff reports, as those will be the most reliable indicators of his readiness for pro-day drills in March.