Is Drew Allar the One that Got Away from Ohio State?

When 5-star quarterback Quinn Ewers decided to reclassify and join Ohio State for the 2021 season, it sent shockwaves through the college football world.

But here’s the twist: his decision left the Buckeyes searching high and low for a star quarterback for their 2022 class. So, who did they miss? Enter Drew Allar, a rising star in the quarterback prospects game and a Penn State commit. This is where our story begins.

The Unexpected Reclassification

In the summer of 2021, Ewers made the surprising move to reclassify. This sudden twist had Ohio State scrambling to fill the void left by the departing prodigy.

Meanwhile, just a couple of hours northeast on I-71, Drew Allar was making waves as a standout player at Medina High School. This is where the drama unfolds.

Ohio State’s Hail Mary

In a bid to keep the quarterback throne in their home state, Ohio State extended an offer to Drew Allar just a month after Ewers’ reclassification.

It was a move designed to flex the Buckeyes’ in-state muscle and ensure they didn’t miss out on another local prodigy. But here’s the kicker: Allar seemed to have other plans, and by all accounts, he never seriously considered the offer from his home-state team.

Allar’s Penn State Love Affair

Fast forward two years and Drew Allar is now poised to become a future first-round pick. This Saturday, he’ll lead No. 7 Penn State into the lion’s den at Ohio Stadium, facing off against the No. 3 Buckeyes.

It’s a matchup that’s sure to have Buckeyes fans questioning their coaching staff’s decision to pursue Allar more aggressively.

The Penn State Appeal

When asked about his decision to turn down Ohio State, Allar had this to say in a summer podcast with “Next Up with Adam Breneman”: “My biggest reason (for turning down Ohio State) was that I felt like Penn State was the right place for me to go.

It had everything that I wanted—academically, obviously, football, and then off the field with the resources we have around here.”

The Big Question

So, is Drew Allar the one who got away from Ohio State? It’s a question that will likely linger in the minds of Buckeyes fans and coaching staff alike.

In the world of college football, where decisions can shape the destiny of a team, the importance of recruiting the right talent cannot be overstated.

As we gear up for the showdown between Penn State and Ohio State, one can’t help but wonder if Drew Allar’s success will make the Buckeyes rethink their recruiting strategy.

Was he the hidden gem they missed, or will the Buckeyes continue their quest for the next quarterback prodigy? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the game is on, and the stakes are high.