Drew Allar Set to Throw at NFL Combine After Injury Recovery

Drew Allar’s 2025 season with Penn State started with high expectations but ended abruptly after just six games. The standout quarterback, who entered the year as one of the most highly regarded prospects in a class featuring Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, and Arch Manning, suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. His absence coincided with a dramatic collapse for the Nittany Lions, including the firing of head coach James Franklin and the team finishing with its worst record since 2021.

Despite the setbacks, Allar is now taking an important step toward proving himself for NFL teams. ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed that Allar will participate in on-field workouts with wide receivers during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The move represents a key milestone in his recovery and a chance to reaffirm his draft status ahead of April’s selection process.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Allar possesses the prototypical size and athleticism NFL franchises covet in a quarterback. Known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays with his legs, he remains a young talent at just 21 years old. A strong performance at the Combine could solidify his standing as a first-round prospect.

Allar’s path forward depends not only on his physical readiness but also on how he impresses during interviews, Pro Day workouts, and team meetings. If he checks all those boxes, he could be a top-32 pick for teams looking for a quarterback to either accelerate a championship window or anchor a rebuilding effort.

1. Recovering from Injury

Allar’s 2025 campaign ended prematurely after an ankle injury required surgery, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Penn State struggled. The setback delayed his development and left NFL evaluators uncertain about his readiness for the next level. Throughout his rehab, Allar focused on regaining strength, mobility, and timing with his mechanics. The fact that he is cleared to participate at the Combine signals significant progress and a full recovery from what could have been a career-altering injury. His resilience during recovery will be an important factor for teams evaluating him. NFL scouts will be paying close attention not only to his arm talent but also to his durability and mental approach to overcoming adversity. Allar’s successful return to competitive drills in Indianapolis will provide reassurance that he can withstand the physical demands of the NFL and continue his development at a high level.

2. NFL Draft Potential

Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Allar remains an intriguing prospect due to his size, arm strength, and athleticism. Teams in need of a quarterback will be assessing him closely, particularly franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seek immediate impact players, or the New York Jets, who have multiple top-32 selections to leverage in a rebuilding effort. A strong showing at the Combine could elevate Allar into the first-round conversation, giving him a chance to cement his status despite missing most of the previous season. His on-field drills, accuracy exercises, and ability to read defenses will all factor into team evaluations. Additionally, off-field interviews and interactions with team personnel will provide insight into his football IQ, leadership qualities, and readiness to transition to the professional level. This holistic assessment is often as crucial as physical performance in determining draft position. Allar’s potential upside is considerable. If he performs well across all evaluations, he could emerge as a quarterback capable of leading a franchise for years, putting teams confident in his talent within striking distance of a first-round selection.

3. Looking Ahead

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Allar’s draft stock. The NFL Combine is just the first stage; a strong showing at his Pro Day and successful meetings with NFL teams could solidify his position among the top quarterback prospects. At 21, Allar’s youth and physical tools give him an advantage in terms of long-term development. Teams will weigh his potential growth, adaptability, and ability to thrive in their offensive systems as key factors in their draft decisions. Allar also benefits from the context of his prior performance. Even with only six games in 2025, he demonstrated enough arm talent, mobility, and poise to keep scouts intrigued, and the Combine allows him to reinforce that narrative. Ultimately, Allar’s participation in Indianapolis marks the first major step in reclaiming the spotlight and putting himself in position to become a high draft pick, with his future largely hinging on execution during these critical pre-draft evaluations.