Penn State backup QB Beau Pribula announces intentions to enter transfer portal
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Penn State is set to lose one of its most impactful players from the 2024 roster.
Backup quarterback Beau Pribula, a redshirt sophomore, plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced on social media. With the timing of the news, Pribula will not be with the team for Penn State’s College Football Playoff run, which begins Saturday against SMU.
Pribula grew into a pivotal role for Penn State this season, allowing offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to use him as a gadget player beyond his responsibilities as the backup quarterback. He ran routes as a wide receiver at times but was often a threat to run, hand off or throw in short-yardage situations.
Pribula also entered for injured starter Drew Allar against Wisconsin earlier this season, leading a second-half comeback over the Badgers to win 28-13 in his most extended action of the season.
On the year, Pribula was 26-for-35 passing for 275 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. On the ground, he carried 38 times for 242 yards and four scores.
Pribula played in 11 games last season as Penn State tried to iron out his role under Mike Yurcich.
A native of York and a product of Central York High School, Pribula was a three-star prospect and the 29th-best quarterback in the country out of high school.
Though it’s far from confirmed, Pribula’s plans to enter the portal seem to suggest Allar could return to Happy Valley in 2025 as the Lions’ starter.
For the postseason, Penn State will likely have to rely on true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer as the backup, who has yet to play a snap this season. Second-year quarterback Jaxon Smolik has been dealing with an injury since the spring, and despite increasing practice participation, has not yet publicly been cleared for activity. Walk-on Jack Lambert is the only other quarterback on the roster.
In a statement, Pribula explained that playing at Penn State was always his dream, but the timing of the NCAA transfer portal has forced him to enter now. He had until Dec. 28 to enter and join a new program for the spring practice window and learn a new playbook.