Penn State Outlines Backup QB Strategy Ahead of Nevada Game
Ethan Grunkemeyer Named QB2 — For Now, Says Coach James Franklin
STATE COLLEGE — Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer has been named Penn State’s backup quarterback heading into Week 1 against Nevada. But head coach James Franklin emphasized that the decision is week-to-week, not a season-long designation.
“It’s just for Week 1, not for the entire season,” Franklin clarified after Wednesday’s practice.
Grunkemeyer saw very limited action last year, appearing only in Penn State’s playoff game against SMU, where he completed one of two passes for 9 yards. With a softer nonconference schedule this fall, he’s expected to get more meaningful snaps. However, redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik remains firmly in the mix for backup duties.
Franklin noted that Grunkemeyer was “a little more consistent from start to finish” during fall camp, though he acknowledged the competition was tight. Observations from open practices had already suggested Grunkemeyer was ahead, as he consistently took reps behind starting quarterback Drew Allar.
“All of our quarterbacks have grown a lot,” Allar said earlier Wednesday. “They’ve really picked up the offense well and are running it at a high level compared to where they started camp.”
Still, Franklin reiterated Monday that the QB2 battle between Grunkemeyer and Smolik is far from over and could last all season. Smolik, who missed last year due to injury, made one appearance as a true freshman in 2023. The staff plans to keep evaluating both QBs, especially during Sunday practices, which are often focused on developmental work.
Although neither player brings significant game experience, having offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki in his second year has helped streamline the offense and improve execution overall. This stability has allowed the young quarterbacks to learn more quickly and operate more confidently.
Allar mentioned that both backups have handled adversity well in practice settings.
“If a play breaks down or they make a mistake — whether it’s poor footwork or a bad read — they’ve done a good job shaking it off and moving to the next play,” he said.
Saturday’s season-opener will offer the first true glimpse of how Grunkemeyer handles game pressure and how he functions within the offensive system. Whether he keeps the backup job or Smolik steps in later, these early reps are key for building confidence and game-readiness.
Last season, Penn State utilized Beau Pribula in various scenarios because he had already seen in-game action. This year, Grunkemeyer and Smolik have a similar chance to gain experience — and perhaps even be deployed in creative ways as part of Kotelnicki’s always-evolving offense.
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