Believe it or not, sometimes wanting success too much can be its own kind of obstacle. That’s not just a philosophical thought. It’s a real concern at the heart of Penn State’s quarterback room as spring practices roll along in Happy Valley. Drew Allar, the big-armed, bigger-framed 6-foot-5, 236-pound junior signal-caller, has returned to State College with one mission. Get the Nittany Lions back into the playoffs and win it all. With boss James Franklin, backing him and position coach Danny O’Brien sharpening every inch of his game. Allar seems to be locked in. But there’s a growing curiosity: Can Allar’s desire to lead Penn State to glory be too much of a good thing?

After last season’s Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame. Allar could’ve taken the road well-traveled—declare, transfer, hit reset. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment to Penn State. And the decision didn’t go unnoticed by James Franklin. Who’s seen a clear evolution in his QB’s demeanor and approach. “He’s been good,” Franklin told reporters this week. “Kind of like I mentioned, he’s progressed every single year. We need him to continue to take another step this year in every area, just like he already has… I fully expect him to do it again.” It wasn’t just a coach’s vote of confidence—it was a direct challenge to Allar to continue pushing forward in every phase. mechanics, decision-making, leadership, and mental toughness. Franklin’s message? Growth isn’t optional. It’s expected.

Yet oddly enough. Despite Drew Allar’s status as a former five-star recruit who just guided his team to the CFP, his name hasn’t dominated the spring headlines. That observation came sharply into focus thanks to Blue White Illustrated’s Greg Pickel. “I think it’s interesting that Drew Allar comes into this spring as a guy who is seen by most as one of the top quarterbacks in the country… and even though it comes up every week—how can he improve, how can he take the next step—he is flying a little bit under the radar,” Pickel noted. Part of that is circumstantial. With TE Tyler Warren no longer on the roster, and the spotlight shifting toward explosive backs Kaytron Allen andNick Singleton, the narrative has pivoted elsewhere. “It is a little bit interesting that it feels like he, as a very successful fourth-year quarterback who just led his team to the College Football Playoff, is… under the radar is a perfect way to put it,” Pickel added.

There’s also the ongoing development of younger players like Tamia Robinson and Javon Williams. Who are getting more reps due to injuries at linebacker and along the offensive line. James Franklin mentioned those developments recently, highlighting that guys like Nolan Rucci and Tony Rojas being limited has opened doors for the next wave of talent. But even amid that youth movement, it’s clear the machine runs on Drew Allar. And it’s what makes this quiet spring from him even more compelling. He doesn’t need to be loud for people to take notice. But maybe that’s the point. He’s building behind the curtain, waiting for the fall spotlight.

Still, the most fascinating insight this spring might have come not from Franklin or media, but from Allar’s own QB coach. Asked whether Allar’s intense desire to succeed could be too much, Danny O’Brien didn’t dodge. “It’s a great starting point when they want it that bad,” he said. “It’s a lot easier to coach honing that in and keeping your poise and just doing your job and keeping it simple than the other way. Certainly, no one wants it more than him.” In sports—and in life—trying too hard can sometimes become a problem. Whether it’s dating, work, or football, there’s a balance between ambition and execution. For Allar, his work ethic is the starting point.

The concern isn’t whether Allar has the tools. He does. The question is whether he can settle into his role with enough composure to stay poised when things go sideways. His size, arm strength, and raw ability have never been in doubt. But in crunch-time moments against elite defenses, success often hinges more on calm decision-making and situational feel than pure talent. That’s where this internal battle matters.

James Franklin impressed with his battering ram duo

With the Blue-White spring game just around the corner. PSU HC James Franklin took the mic Tuesday night and gave fans an exciting update on his one-two punch in the backfield. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.

Franklin lit up when talking about Allen, who finally had a full offseason to lock in and it’s showing. “So [Kaytron Allen] has really improved,” Franklin said. “As you guys know, he’s never had an offseason since he’s been here. He looks faster. He looks more explosive.” Credit also went to new running backs coach Stan Drayton, who Franklin said has “done a phenomenal job” with intentional, high-impact drills. “That explosiveness and that speed that he’s playing with right now is going to be big. It’s going to be big for him.”

As for Singleton? He’s adding more sizzle to his already electric skill set. “With Nick, it’s a lot of the open field running, a little bit more creativity in his game,” Franklin explained. The goal? More home-run plays. Think 80 or 90-yard dashes.

Both backs are working hard to sharpen their big-play potential—and even expanding into the passing game.