Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer Entering Transfer Portal

Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer will be entering the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The quarterback, who helped guide Penn State to a Pinstripe Bowl victory after taking over late this season, will have three years of eligibility remaining as he looks for his next opportunity.

NEWS: Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he tells ESPN. He’s a redshirt freshman with three seasons remaining. He started seven games for Penn State this season and led them to four-straight wins to close the season. pic.twitter.com/pddK9tgqX3

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 1, 2026

Grunkemeyer’s time in Happy Valley was brief but impactful. Thrust into action amid the injury of Drew Allar, the young quarterback showed poise beyond his years, providing stability to the Nittany Lions’ offense down the stretch. He threw for 1,339 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions, completing nearly 69.1% of his passes, one of the top marks in program history, and posted a QBR in the mid-70’s. In the Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, Grunkemeyer capped his season with a career-high 262 passing yards and two touchdown passes, completing 23 of 34 attempts, including a 73-yard strike to Trebor Peña that shifted momentum late in the game. His steady improvement and efficient play down the stretch helped Penn State finish strong and offered a glimpse of his potential as a developing passer at the Power Five level.

With Grunkemeyer entering the portal, Penn State’s attention now shifts to potential replacements and depth additions at quarterback. Rocco Becht, the Iowa State signal-caller, is one name to watch should he explore portal options, as his experience and arm talent would immediately raise the floor of the position. Beau Pribula, a familiar name within the Penn State program, could also factor into the conversation depending on roster movement and role clarity. As the transfer portal continues to shape college football rosters, Penn State is expected to remain active in evaluating quarterback options heading into the 2026 season.