Ethan Grunkemeyer’s Future at Penn State: A Quarterback at the Crossroads
As Penn State prepares to wrap up its season in the Pinstripe Bowl, one of the most important questions facing the program isn’t just about how they’ll finish - it’s about who will be under center when the next chapter begins. Freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer is at the heart of that conversation, and while he hasn’t made a decision yet, his play down the stretch has made it clear: he belongs in the mix.
“I think it's hard to say right now, but the goal is, obviously, find the best situation possible,” Grunkemeyer said this week. He’s weighing his options, and he’s not doing it alone - with his family and representation helping him navigate what could be a defining moment in his college career.
The timing of this decision couldn’t be more pivotal. Penn State recently brought in a new coaching staff, led by former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. Alongside him come offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Ryan Waters - both of whom have already connected with Grunkemeyer since arriving in Happy Valley.
And there’s reason for optimism on that front. Grunkemeyer pointed to Mouser’s quarterback development track record, specifically noting his work with current 49ers starter Brock Purdy during their time together at Iowa State. That kind of resume doesn’t go unnoticed, especially for a young QB looking to take the next step.
Still, the quarterback room is far from settled. Campbell and his staff could look to bring in a new starter - potentially even Rocco Becht, who started three seasons under Campbell at Iowa State - or explore other options in the transfer portal. That leaves Grunkemeyer in a wait-and-see situation, but he’s already made a strong case to keep the job.
After stepping in for an injured Drew Allar midway through the season, Grunkemeyer started the final six regular-season games and showed steady growth. He completed 69.4% of his passes for 1,074 yards, tossing six touchdowns to four interceptions. But those numbers only tell part of the story.
His debut as a starter against Iowa was a rough one - two picks and just 53.6% completions. But what followed was a clear sign of progress.
In every game since, he’s completed at least 61% of his passes and hasn’t thrown an interception in his last three outings. That’s the kind of growth you want to see from a young quarterback - learning from mistakes, adjusting, and settling into the speed of the college game.
“I think something that I'm proud of improvement-wise is just slowing my feet down, slowing the reads down a little bit,” Grunkemeyer said. “Something I may have took early in the year, got off a read too quick. Or, hit the read too fast when I could have moved on.”
That processing speed - the ability to stay calm in the pocket and work through progressions - is what separates good college quarterbacks from great ones. And it’s something Grunkemeyer is clearly developing.
His efficiency has already put him within striking distance of Penn State history. With just the bowl game left, he’s on pace to surpass Kerry Collins’ single-season record for completion percentage (66.7%).
That’s not just a footnote - it’s a statement. Grunkemeyer isn’t just filling in; he’s elevating.
And he’s earned the respect of the locker room along the way.
“He definitely has that dog in him, for sure,” said linebacker Dom DeLuca. “Grunk, he's a workhorse.
Just seeing it every day at practice, in the locker room, even just getting right onto the film, seeing what he could have done better… the way he takes care of himself off the field, too - his recovery, his routine - it's great. I'm excited to see what he does in the future.”
Wide receiver Trebor Peña echoed that sentiment, pointing to Grunkemeyer’s poise and production as proof that he’s ready to lead.
“He's proved what he can do and how efficient he can be and the throws that he can make,” Peña said. “I feel very confident that he can be the quarterback of the future and that he should be next.”
That kind of locker-room backing matters. Coaches can bring in talent, but chemistry and trust are built - and Grunkemeyer seems to have earned both.
For now, all eyes turn to the Pinstripe Bowl. It could be Grunkemeyer’s final game in a Penn State uniform - or the beginning of something bigger.
Either way, he’s shown he’s more than just a stopgap. He’s a quarterback with real upside, one who’s grown with every snap and proven he belongs in the conversation for Penn State’s future.