One of Penn State’s most important players from the 2024 roster is expected to leave.
Beau Pribula, a redshirt sophomore backup quarterback, declared on social media that he will be using the transfer portal. Due to the timing of the announcement, Pribula will not be playing for Penn State in their College Football Playoff run, which kicks off against SMU on Saturday.
This season, Pribula developed into a key member of Penn State’s offense, which enabled offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to utilize him as a gadget player in addition to his backup quarterback duties. Although he was frequently a threat to run, pass, or throw in short-yardage situations, he occasionally ran routes as a wide receiver.
In his longest game of the season, Pribula led a second-half comeback against the Badgers to win 28–13. Earlier in the season, he also replaced injured starter Drew Allara against Wisconsin.
Pribula passed 26 times out of 35 for 275 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception during the season. He rushed 38 times for 242 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Under Mike Yurcich, Pribula participated in 11 games during the previous season as Penn State attempted to define his position.
Pribula, a York, Pennsylvania native and graduate of Central York High School, was a three-star prospect and, after high school, the 29th-best quarterback in the nation.
Pribula’s intentions to use the portal raise the possibility that Allar will make a comeback to Happy Valley in 2025 as the Lions’ starting quarterback, though this is far from certain.
Ethan Grunkemeyer, a true freshman who hasn’t played a snap this season, will probably be Penn State’s backup in the postseason. Despite increased practice participation, second-year quarterback Jaxon Smolik has been suffering with an ailment since the spring and has not yet received a public clearance to play. The only other quarterback on the team is Jack Lambert, a walk-on.
Pribula said in a statement that although he had always wanted to play at Penn State, the NCAA transfer portal’s timing compelled him to do it now. He had until December 28 to memorize a new playbook and enroll in a new program for the spring practice window.
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