The One That Got Away: How Penn State Let Missouri’s QB Slip Through Its Fingers
When Beau Pribula announced his transfer from Penn State, it felt less like a typical roster move and more like a turning point for the Nittany Lions. For two seasons, the program placed its faith in Drew Allar, the strong-armed pocket passer expected to restore Penn State’s national relevance. Yet Pribula’s departure raises a difficult question about fit and foresight. His versatility and competitiveness represented the kind of dynamic quarterback play that thrives in today’s college football. While Allar stayed grounded in structure, Pribula brought improvisation and energy, which are traits that could ignite an offense that seems to be struggling to find a rhythm.
The decision to ride with Allar over Pribula speaks to Penn State’s commitment to a traditional offensive identity. Head coach James Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have continued to design a system built around stability, rather than spontaneity. That approach can be effective when the line dominates and receivers separate, but it can stall when the play breaks down. Pribula offered something different, such as the ability to extend plays, keep drives alive, and frustrate defenses that overcommit. His flashes of potential in limited snaps last season hinted at what could’ve been a new offensive chapter in Happy Valley. Instead, his move to Missouri has allowed him to showcase what Penn State overlooked.
As Pribula prepares for the next stage of his career, the Nittany Lions are left wondering if they misjudged their long-term direction. The Big Ten is shifting towards quarterbacks who can move, adapt, and make plays outside the pocket. Programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon have embraced versatility as a necessity, not an option. By holding onto an older formula, Penn State risks falling behind the evolution of its own conference. The results have already started to reflect that struggle. The Nittany Lions have dropped two major games this season, including a high-profile loss to Oregon and an even more shocking defeat to an unranked UCLA team that entered the matchup winless. Meanwhile, Beau Pribula has found success with his new program, leading his team to multiple early-season victories through both his arm and legs. His growth as a starting quarterback underscores what Penn State could have developed had it committed to his style of play. He may no longer wear blue and white, but his recent achievements elsewhere could serve as a reminder that sometimes, the hardest lesson for a powerhouse program is realizing the right quarterback was already on its roster.
