Dear Andy: Is Penn State QB Drew Allar or Clemson QB Cade Klubnik under more pressure?

**Dear Andy: Is Penn State QB Drew Allar or Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Under More Pressure?**

As the college football season heats up, the spotlight is firmly fixed on two young quarterbacks tasked with leading their respective powerhouse programs: Penn State’s Drew Allar and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. Both were five-star recruits with immense expectations, and as they settle into starting roles, the question arises: who is under more pressure?

**Drew Allar: The Future of Penn State Football**
Drew Allar, a 6’5” sophomore with a cannon for an arm, has been heralded as the quarterback who can elevate Penn State into the elite tier alongside Ohio State and Michigan. Following in the footsteps of Sean Clifford, Allar is expected to unlock an offense brimming with talent, including standout running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

The pressure on Allar is multi-dimensional. Not only does he have to meet the expectations of fans who view him as the program’s most talented quarterback in decades, but he also faces the challenge of competing in the loaded Big Ten East. Every game carries significant weight, with matchups against Michigan and Ohio State likely determining the Nittany Lions’ playoff hopes.

Penn State head coach James Franklin has repeatedly emphasized Allar’s maturity and preparation, but the stakes are clear: this is a program that hasn’t won a Big Ten title since 2016 and hasn’t reached the College Football Playoff. Allar’s performance will be critical to changing that narrative.

**Cade Klubnik: Reclaiming Clemson’s Glory**
Meanwhile, at Clemson, Cade Klubnik finds himself in a similar pressure cooker. The sophomore quarterback was thrust into the starting role late last season, replacing DJ Uiagalelei, and showed flashes of brilliance in key moments. Now, as the unquestioned starter, Klubnik is tasked with restoring Clemson’s dominance in the ACC and the national landscape.

Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has built a reputation as a perennial playoff contender. However, back-to-back seasons without a playoff berth have raised questions about whether the Tigers are slipping. Klubnik is seen as the player who can bring them back to prominence, especially with the addition of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who masterminded TCU’s explosive offense in 2022.

Klubnik faces the dual challenge of meeting the high expectations of Clemson’s fan base while adjusting to a new offensive system. With Florida State emerging as a legitimate ACC threat, the margin for error is slim.

**Who Faces More Pressure?**
Both quarterbacks are under immense pressure, but Allar’s situation seems slightly more intense. The Big Ten’s gauntlet is arguably tougher than the ACC, and Penn State’s aspirations hinge heavily on his ability to elevate the program. However, the stakes for Klubnik—restoring Clemson’s national reputation—are just as significant. Both young stars will define their teams’ seasons, and the pressure will only intensify as the year unfolds.