INDIANAPOLIS — Four months after a broken left ankle abruptly ended his senior season, Drew Allar is stepping back onto the turf. The former Penn State signal-caller will throw for coaches, general managers, and scouts at the 2026 NFL Combine this weekend. He will not run the 40-yard dash. He will not participate in the agility drills. But the 6-foot-5, 240-pound prospect intends to launch passes, answering the single biggest question hanging over his draft stock: Is the arm fully back?
Anticipation for the Drew Allar NFL Combine throwing session is surging. After undergoing surgery on October 15, his entire rehabilitation process zeroed in on this exact week in Indianapolis.
The Numbers Behind the Arm
Before the October 11 injury against Northwestern derailed his final collegiate campaign, Allar operated efficiently. He logged six starts in 2025, completing 64.8% of his passes for 1,110 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. NFL evaluators look at the complete body of work, and his 45-game career resume paints the picture of a highly protective, big-armed passer: 7,402 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and only 13 interceptions.
I stood on the sidelines during Penn State’s 31-14 Fiesta Bowl victory over Boise State back in the 2024 College Football Playoff. You could feel the air leave the stadium every time Allar planted his feet and drove the ball downfield. He possesses raw, effortless power. Now, he just needs to prove to 32 NFL franchises that his lower body mechanics can still support that cannon.
Medical Red Flags and the Rehab Process
Ankle fractures for a quarterback heavily impact throwing mechanics, specifically the ability to step into a throw and transfer weight. The left ankle acts as the crucial plant foot for a right-handed quarterback like Allar. Any hesitation or weakness there directly affects velocity and accuracy.
Allar opted to skip the physical testing in Indianapolis to prioritize his throwing motion. He plans to maintain this exact routine for Penn State’s Pro Day on March 18.
“If I had to go out and play a game today, I feel like I could get it done.”
— Drew Allar, Former Penn State Quarterback
Draft Implications / What’s Next
This draft class remains wide open under center. With names like Fernando Mendoza generating buzz, Allar has a massive opportunity to elevate his stock. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams are actively hunting for developmental talent with high upside.
Allar could have declared for the draft last year following the 2024 Big Ten Championship and CFP semifinal run. He returned to State College to prove he could refine his footwork and command a pro-style offense. The injury paused that plan. If he steps onto the Lucas Oil Stadium turf this weekend and drives the ball with confidence on deep in-cutting routes, teams will view the ankle injury as a temporary speed bump rather than a chronic issue.
The 2026 NFL Draft heads to Pittsburgh from April 23-25, just a short drive from where Allar built his collegiate legacy. A strong showing this Saturday could easily secure his name being called early on Day 2.
