Story perspectives

Drew Allar Injured: Freshman Grunkemeyer Steps Up for Iowa

10/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Drew Allar suffered a broken left ankle in a 22-21 loss to Northwestern and had surgery.
He is expected to recover fully, but his timeline for returning to workouts remains uncertain.
Allar completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and he has no remaining eligibility after four seasons.
Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer will start as the Nittany Lions face Iowa with a 3-3 record.

History

Historical Context

In 2010, the NCAA introduced new concussion protocols in response to rising player injuries, including serious cases like Drew Allar's broken ankle. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to athlete safety, stemming from historical concerns about injuries in college football, which date back to the NCAA's formation in 1906 following numerous fatalities in the sport. The ongoing evolution of these protocols continues to influence player management strategies today.

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Story summary

Drew Allar suffered a broken left ankle in a 22-21 loss to Northwestern and had surgery.
He is expected to recover fully, but his timeline for returning to workouts remains uncertain.
Allar completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and he has no remaining eligibility after four seasons.
Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer will start as the Nittany Lions face Iowa with a 3-3 record.

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