Ethan Grunkemeyer Ends Breakout Season with Statement Win in Pinstripe Bowl
NEW YORK - As the confetti fell at Yankee Stadium and Penn State hoisted the Pinstripe Bowl trophy, one of the first hands on the hardware belonged to redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. Beanie pulled low, smile wide, and “PSU” stitched proudly across his forehead, the moment wasn’t just a celebration - it was a culmination.
Just over two months ago, Grunkemeyer was a backup. A promising one, sure - a former Elite 11 finalist and four-star recruit from the 2024 class - but not the guy.
That role belonged to Drew Allar, a seasoned starter and team captain. Then came the injury that changed everything.
Suddenly, Grunkemeyer wasn’t just part of the future - he was the present.
And he rose to the moment.
Grunkemeyer’s final outing of the season was his best yet, delivering a poised, efficient performance in Penn State’s win over Clemson. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, but the real story was how he closed. In the second half, Grunkemeyer went 11-for-13 through the air - an 85% clip that showcased just how locked in he was when it mattered most.
According to Pro Football Focus, Grunkemeyer earned an 87.9 passing grade for the game - the highest of any quarterback in this year’s bowl season to date. That’s not just a nice number. It’s validation of a player who didn’t just fill in - he evolved, week by week, into someone who looked like he belonged under the lights.
“Unbelievable experience, first and foremost,” Grunkemeyer said postgame. “Wouldn’t trade it for the world… a blessing to make the most of every opportunity I had and hopefully that helps me moving forward.”
The growth was evident - not just in the numbers, but in the way he carried himself. Grunkemeyer played with confidence, composure, and a command of the offense that belied his experience level. And in a season that saw Penn State fall short of preseason expectations, lose its starting quarterback, and ultimately part ways with head coach James Franklin, Grunkemeyer’s emergence was one of the brightest spots.
“I think just a ton of growth,” he said. “I’m excited about that to carry into the offseason - get bigger, stronger, faster, and then keep working on all the other small parts of my game to be more accurate and keep rolling, keep that trajectory high.”
It’s a trajectory that started with promise. Grunkemeyer was a top-100 recruit and a major win for Penn State on the trail. He had offers from across the country, including from Matt Campbell at Iowa State - a connection that’s suddenly relevant again.
With Campbell now taking over as Penn State’s head coach, Grunkemeyer’s future is one of many questions facing the Nittany Lions this offseason. He’s already spoken with Campbell, new offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters. But he hasn’t made a decision yet on whether he’ll stay in Happy Valley or explore other opportunities.
He said he’ll talk it over with his parents, his agent, and lean on his faith. But whatever comes next, he’s already proven he can handle the spotlight.
“He’s legit. That he’s a guy,” said center Dom Rulli.
“So, if Coach Campbell wants him, he’s there, to be honest. If not, I think other coaches, other teams would want him.”
That kind of endorsement doesn’t come easy - especially from the guys who share the huddle. But Grunkemeyer earned it. He stepped into a chaotic situation, kept his head down, and delivered.
Saturday also marked the final game for offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who won’t be retained under the new staff. After the game, Kotelnicki and Grunkemeyer shared a long embrace - a moment of mutual respect between a coach and a quarterback who navigated a turbulent stretch together and came out stronger for it.
Grunkemeyer isn’t rushing any decisions. But he’s taking time to appreciate the journey so far.
“Just the continuous development, that aspect,” he said. “I think it would turn in the right direction. When you work towards that goal - I think that’s the biggest thing, is that confidence piece.”
Whatever happens next - whether he stays at Penn State or finds a new home - Grunkemeyer’s final act of the 2025 season was a powerful one. He didn’t just step in. He stepped up.
And as the team packed up the bus to head home from the Bronx, he was going to enjoy every bit of it.
“I’m going to go enjoy this one on the bus ride back with the guys,” he said.
He’s earned that ride - and whatever comes next.