Everything Penn State players, coaches said about new starting QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
Penn State will be handing the reins of the offense to redshirt freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer for his first college start Saturday night when it heads to Iowa City to take on Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. Grunkemeyer is starting after senior Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s loss to Northwestern.
Here’s everything you need to know about Grunkemeyer, including his background, what he said, and what his coach and teammates said about him this week.
Background
Grunkemeyer was a four-star recruit out of Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, where he was the No. 9 quarterback in the country in the 2024 class according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He redshirted in 2024 and was thrust into a backup role during the team’s College Football Playoff run to the semifinals after former backup quarterback Beau Pribula left the team for the transfer portal. Grunkemeyer completed one of his two passing attempts last year for nine yards, with the other attempt getting intercepted. He’s operated as Allar’s primary backup this season, going 8-of-11 for 105 yards as a passer, with one touchdown. He’s added a rushing touchdown along with eight rushing yards on four carries.
What they’re saying
Interim head coach Terry Smith
On Grunkemeyer’s ability
“We have every bit of confidence in Ethan. He has a strong arm; he is athletic. Super smart kid. We’ve entrusted him. He’s been thrown in there just like I’ve been thrown in there, so we got something in common. He’s going to be ready. You know, we’re going to rep him all week and drill him all week and put him in class on grass, and we’re very confident we’re going to have a game plan for him that fits him. Super excited to see him go out there Saturday night.”
On how Grunkemeyer has looked in practice
“Grunk has look really good. He’s had a really good two days. He’s excited for the opportunity. We sat down and met yesterday. We had a really good conversation. Fortunately or unfortunately, he and I have been thrust into a role that neither one of us saw coming for this week. And so I think he’s had a really good two weeks, and we’re encouraged. And, hopefully, he has another two good practice days and goes into the game feeling good.”
Wide receiver Devonte Ross
On building a connection with Grunkemeyer
“ I feel like we’ve been building that connection since I’ve been here, just getting those reps all offseason. Going into this week, focusing on this week, just making sure we’re taking all the reps serious in practice, making sure we’re trying to execute at a high level. And just after practice, if it’s some things that he may want for me or that I may need from him, just getting those reps as a practice to build that connection even more.”
Center Nick Dawkins
On how Grunkemeyer has handled the time after the Northwestern game
“I have all the confidence in the world in Grunk, he’s a baller. He goes out there, he plays with confidence. He’s been doing so since he’s gotten on campus, going against the scout team last year and this year in camp and spring ball. He’s not scared, which is awesome. He plays to win, and that’s all you can ask out of a quarterback, especially given the situation.”
Defensive tackle Zane Durant
On helping Grunkemeyer adjust to being the starter
“It’s only so much you can tell him, but the rest he gotta learn on his own. It’s certain things that you just gotta learn with experience. Him being the first-time starter, or whatever the case may be, he’s gonna go through a lot of things, but it’s on him to weather that storm. I think he’s prepared.”
On what stands out about Grunkemeyer
“He can make all the throws. His arm is more than talented enough. Smart football player. It’s just his time to shine. So he got to go out there and prove it to everybody else.”
QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
On what the week has been like
“It’s definitely different. Bigger role and whatnot, but preparation has been all the same. Just going into that environment, we’re working on crowd noise, because Kinnick Stadium is definitely one of the premier places to play. We’ve been we’re working on it. We’re ready for it, so I’m excited.”
On how Allar has helped him
“Me and Drew talk every day over text. That’s my guy. I was just checking in on him. Obviously, that’s a super tough situation for him. So as much as on the field, I’m checking in with him as a person as well. But he’s just been super helpful. Kind of telling me what to expect. He’s played in a lot of big games on the road, so he’s a great mentor on that aspect. Just kind of what to expect and what to be ready for.”
On if he’s prepared for the moment
“I definitely feel prepared. Talking with [quarterbacks coach Danny] O’Brien and [assistant quarterbacks coach Trace] McSorley, there’s definitely some things in this role that are a little bit different than in the past, but I think their understanding of our offense and just the quarterback position in general has really helped me this week. And I feel super ready.”
On building rapport with the receivers
“Routes on air has been huge, and then just the team periods, but I don’t think we really lost any chemistry. I’m super close with all the receivers, whether it’s going out to dinner with them, hanging out with them in the locker room. So I think that’s a really big emphasis for the quarterbacks like, ‘Hey, if you have a relationship with them off the field, you’re just gonna feel that much more comfortable with them on the field.’ Really, just routes on air has really gotten me back to that, when they’re gonna break and stuff like that.”
