Penn State football players and coaches are rallying behind redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who’s expected to make his first college start Saturday. Grunkemeyer replaced three-year starter Drew Allar late in the fourth quarter of a 22-21 loss to Northwestern Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

Drew Allar walked into a quiet Lasch Building conference room with a smile and a whole lot of optimism. It was April 2024, and the face of Penn State’s program was eagerly awaiting his second season as starting quarterback. Allar believed Penn State was bound for something special — and that he and James Franklin would accomplish it together.

Allar, 21, reacted to the news of Franklin's firing with a single emoji and a heartwarming picture of the two of them in better times together. Allar used the fingers crossed emoji, presumably to emote that he hopes it all goes well for Franklin, 53, in his future endeavors.

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State, which began the season ranked second nationally, dropped its third straight Big Ten game, falling to Northwestern 22-21 Saturday at Beaver Stadium. The also lost starting quarterback Drew Allar for the season to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.