Ethan Grunkemeyer Balancing Bowl Game Spotlight and Uncertain Future at Penn State
Ethan Grunkemeyer’s journey at Penn State has been anything but predictable-and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
In just two seasons, the redshirt freshman quarterback has gone from a developmental prospect to the Nittany Lions’ starter, all while the program itself has undergone massive change. Now, as he prepares to lead Penn State into the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, Grunkemeyer finds himself at another crossroads: Is he the quarterback of the future in Happy Valley, or will his next chapter unfold elsewhere?
This all comes after a whirlwind fall. Grunkemeyer stepped into the spotlight midseason when starting quarterback Drew Allar went down with a season-ending injury.
Just days later, head coach James Franklin was let go, and interim coach Terry Smith took over. Suddenly, Grunkemeyer was QB1 in the middle of a program in transition, trying to stabilize a team that had its sights set much higher at the start of the year.
Now, with a new coaching staff led by Matt Campbell coming in, Grunkemeyer is focused on finishing strong in the bowl game-but he’s also weighing his future.
“I think this game means a lot,” Grunkemeyer said this week. “First and foremost, finishing on a high note through a challenging season… and then just based on my future, just nothing decided yet. Just focused on this game and then making decisions after that.”
Let’s be clear: Grunkemeyer has shown flashes. Over the final six games of the 2025 season, he completed nearly 70% of his passes (100-for-144) for 1,079 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions, guiding the Nittany Lions to a 3-3 record down the stretch. Not eye-popping numbers, but efficient, composed, and promising-especially considering the context.
But with the NCAA Transfer Portal set to open on January 2, just days after the Pinstripe Bowl, the pressure is on. Grunkemeyer will have a short window to decide whether to stay and compete in the Campbell era or explore new opportunities.
Campbell, along with newly appointed offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, will also have decisions to make. Waters and Mouser have worked closely with quarterback Rocco Becht at Iowa State, and Becht-who has one year of eligibility left-is a name to watch if the new staff wants to bring in a veteran presence.
Grunkemeyer, though, isn’t a stranger to Campbell. The two connected during Grunkemeyer’s recruitment out of Olentangy High School in Ohio, and that relationship could play a key role in what happens next.
“What stands out is his culture and how he's developed quarterbacks-obviously, Brock Purdy and whatnot,” Grunkemeyer said. “But I think just from the visits and seeing how he cares for his players always stuck out to me… I think that’s a big positive of his coaching style.”
He’s already had a few conversations with Campbell, and while the full vision hasn’t been laid out just yet-understandable, given the timing-there’s enough of a dialogue to suggest mutual interest.
“I’m definitely starting talks on what that plan is,” Grunkemeyer said. “Obviously, not in full capacity yet… [Campbell] wants me to still focus on that, getting this last win.”
Waters, though not officially announced by Penn State, has already begun recruiting for the program. Grunkemeyer has had some early conversations with him and seems intrigued by the direction.
“I like his philosophy… they obviously do some really good stuff on offense,” Grunkemeyer said. “I like the type of people they are and how they carry themselves.”
Mouser, too, has made a strong impression. Known for his work in helping Iowa State’s offense reach new heights, he’s someone Grunkemeyer believes he can mesh with.
“I think I mesh well with their offense, being able to distribute the ball to the playmakers on the edge,” he said. “They use their tight ends, and I think that’s one of our strengths… I like a lot of the stuff they do.”
Still, nothing’s set in stone. Grunkemeyer hasn’t committed to staying or leaving, and he’s leaning on the people closest to him-especially his family and his agents-to help navigate the next few weeks.
“My mom helps a lot during these type of things… and then obviously my agents, having conversations with them, trying to figure out what's best for my future.”
The Pinstripe Bowl, then, becomes more than just another postseason game. It’s a showcase-for Grunkemeyer, for the new staff, and for any programs potentially watching from afar. He says he hasn’t experienced any tampering, but make no mistake: Quarterbacks with starting experience and eligibility left are always in demand.
And Grunkemeyer’s not just playing to impress. He’s still developing-working on his footwork, his timing, and his reads.
Over the past two months, he’s made noticeable strides in those areas. For this bowl game, he’ll be coached by former Penn State great Trace McSorley, who stepped in after Danny O’Brien followed Franklin to Virginia Tech.
McSorley brings a unique perspective-he’s been in Grunkemeyer’s shoes, leading a Penn State team through high expectations and big moments. That mentorship could be invaluable as Grunkemeyer tries to put together one more strong performance.
What’s perhaps most impressive about Grunkemeyer’s season isn’t just the stats or the wins-it’s the leadership. He stepped into a fractured locker room and helped stabilize it. As a redshirt freshman, that’s no small feat.
“I think I’m proud of how I emerged as a leader,” he said. “Just being able to help a veteran team through a tough situation… that meant a lot.”
Now, another decision looms. And while Grunkemeyer isn’t tipping his hand just yet, he’s clear about one thing: He wants to find the right fit, wherever that may be.
“I think it’s hard to say right now, but the goal is, obviously, find the best situation possible,” he said.
The next few weeks will be crucial. But first, there’s one more game to play-and one more chance for Ethan Grunkemeyer to show what he’s made of.