As Penn State gears up for spring football, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Nittany Lions is who will emerge as quarterback Drew Allar’s top target in the passing game. With the departure of key playmakers from last season, the competition for the No. 1 receiver spot is wide open, making this spring a crucial period for sorting out the pecking order.
Allar, who is entering his second full season as the starter, showed flashes of brilliance last year but will need a reliable go-to option to elevate Penn State’s offense in 2024. The leading candidates include returning receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III, as well as incoming talent looking to make an immediate impact.
Lambert-Smith led the team in receiving yards last season and has the experience to step into the WR1 role, but Wallace and others—such as promising young wideouts Kaden Saunders and Malik McClain—could also make strong cases. Additionally, the tight end group, led by Tyler Warren, may play an even bigger role in the passing game, giving Allar a dependable target in key situations.
With spring practice underway, Penn State’s coaching staff will be closely evaluating chemistry, route-running consistency, and playmaking ability to determine who will emerge as Allar’s primary weapon. While the competition remains open, the Nittany Lions know that finding a true No. 1 target will be key to taking their offense to the next level in the fall.
