BREAKING NEWS: Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, as confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel earlier today. This decision comes just weeks after a turbulent season for the Nittany Lions, who entered the 2025 regular season with hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff.
Grunkemeyer, a redshirt freshman, played a pivotal role in the team’s late-season resurgence, leading them to four consecutive wins after taking the reins following the injury to senior quarterback Drew Allar. Allar suffered a devastating broken ankle on October 11, 2025, against Northwestern, effectively ending his career at Penn State and prompting the team’s coaching shake-up that saw James Franklin dismissed.
In his first full season as a starter, Grunkemeyer threw for 1,339 yards, notching eight touchdowns against four interceptions. His impressive completion rate of 69.1% highlighted his potential as a future star in college football.
As new head coach Matt Campbell steps into a challenging situation, he faces critical decisions regarding the quarterback position for the 2026 season. Reports indicate that backup quarterback Bekkem Kritza is also set to enter the transfer portal today, complicating Campbell’s plans.
With Grunkemeyer now in the market, he could be a key asset for several programs looking to bolster their rosters. Notably, Virginia Tech could emerge as a contender for his services, particularly given the connection with former Penn State coach James Franklin. Franklin previously recruited Grunkemeyer to State College and may seek to bring him to Blacksburg.
The Nittany Lions also signed four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone in December, but the potential addition of Grunkemeyer could significantly shift the dynamics of their quarterback lineup.
As this story develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Grunkemeyer lands next. His move could significantly impact not only his future but also the landscape of college football heading into the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this evolving story. For real-time updates on NCAA developments, keep following Newsweek Sports.