Most of the attention surrounding the Bucs at the 2026 NFL Combine centered on defense, free agency plans, and what head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht would reveal about reshaping the roster.

Quarterback was not supposed to be part of that conversation.

Yet after Tampa Bay met with Alabama’s Ty Simpson and held an informal meeting with Penn State’s Drew Allar, it is clear the position is not being ignored – even with Baker Mayfield entrenched as the starter.

Penn State QB Drew Allar Displayed Plenty Of Promise During College Career

I know what you are thinking — why should the Bucs draft a quarterback?

Tampa Bay has so many positional needs, especially on defense. Allocating a precious resource on a position with an entrenched starter is folly.

Or is it?

Veteran Teddy Bridgewater is a free agent, and it does not seem too likely that he returns. Even if Bridgewater does come back, how much does the 33-year-old have left in him? Connor Bazelak is another option, but if anything happens to Mayfield, is relying on an undrafted free agent the best course of action?

Adding a veteran free agent signal-caller is not a bad idea, but neither is investing in a young one.

Drew Allar is one such name in consideration.

Penn State QB Drew Allar – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jacob Musselman

Turning 22 years old later this week, Allar spent his entire career at Penn State. Across his four seasons with the Nittany Lions, he threw for 7,402 passing yards, 61 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 45 games. In addition, he added 732 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Allar’s production in the Big Ten is notable, and in his first season as a starter in 2023, he threw 25 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He followed that up by increasing his completion percentage from 59.9% to 66.5% in 2024 while leading Penn State to a 13-3 record. Unfortunately, his college career came to an end after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in October.

During his time at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, however, Allar showcased that his arm talent is second to none.

That is what he wanted to showcase.

“As soon as I really got back to school and started my rehab process, my whole focus toward my rehab process has been getting to this point,” Allar said last Friday. “Being healthy enough to have the chance to put myself out there and throw.”

While he has first-round arm talent, he is admittedly not the most polished prospect.

Those flaws reared their ugly head at times, making him more of a developmental player entering the league. With the right coaching staff, there is a chance he can reach his full potential.

The consensus at this point in time is that new quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer is a rising star who worked with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, among other quarterbacks. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is something of a guru when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the position himself, having been a former NFL quarterback who has worked with various signal-callers throughout his time in the coaching ranks.

What really stood out interviewing Allar was when I asked him about what separates him from other quarterbacks in this draft class. He gave a thorough answer befitting a mature player ready to be coached up.

Penn State QB Drew Allar – Photo by: IMAGN Images – James Lang

“I would say mentally, the first thing is my ability to process information,” Allar said. “Our offense at Penn State put a lot on me in terms of the verbiage of our play calls and responsibilities pre-snap and post-snap. I feel like I have been really well prepared from that aspect because obviously in the NFL, they’re going to put a lot on the quarterbacks mentally with the pre-snap operation and everything like that. Physically, I have a lot of trust and ability in my arm talent.

“I’ve been working relentlessly to get as consistent as I can and find different ways to get better. I’m sure most of you know I’ve only been really playing quarterback since my freshman year of high school. I feel like every year I’ve played quarterback, I’ve taken a step and this offseason is no different. Even though it looks a little bit different than I envisioned coming off injury and that sort of thing, but I feel like I’ve made steady progress throughout my whole career playing quarterback.”

That progress could be furthered by being Baker Mayfield’s understudy.

Drew Allar Has Enjoyed Watching Bucs QB Baker Mayfield For A Long Time

Drew Allar grew up in Medina, Ohio, with his family having Browns season tickets since the 1960s. While Allar mentioned his first jersey as a kid was either Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas or quarterback bust Charlie Frye, that also means he has had a longstanding affinity watching Baker Mayfield.

Being in the same quarterback room as Mayfield is something Allar would relish.

“That would be really cool,” Allar said. “Baker was one of my favorite quarterbacks throughout his time in college and obviously watching his journey in the NFL. It’s cool to see where he’s at in his career. I actually watched a little bit of Tampa Bay’s offense when I was hurt so you know, it was cool to see the things that they’re running and the things that he’s doing when he’s playing.

“He’s a guy that I try to take some stuff from his game. We’re a little bit different stature-wise and that sort of thing but the way he leads his team. The way I can just see everybody cares for him and want to go out and play with him is something that doesn’t go unseen to me. It’s really cool to see him and how he’s grown up through his Oklahoma days and his NFL days. See the leader he has always been and how he’s changed in his whole career.”

Allar is projected to be drafted anywhere between the third and fifth rounds, currently ranked 140th on Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft Big Board. The third round remains rich for the Bucs, as it would mean picking him over a potential solution at inside or outside linebacker.

Finding a backup quarterback in the fifth round is not the worst allocation of resources. Allar would be under contract for four seasons, which is something to weigh with Mayfield being in a contract year and turning 31 years old in April.

Penn State QB Drew Allar – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Kiyoshi Mio

That is not to say he would take over, but he would be able to learn and potentially ease into the spot should injury arise or if the future changes any current plans. Regardless of what happens, Drew Allar is not worried about the noise that precedes him.

He just wants to play ball and win games.

“The one thing I’ve learned over my time at Penn State is to never let the outside noise bother you,” Allar said. “Whether that was me having a good game, me having a bad game. Good moments, bad moments. You can’t let anybody deter you or make yourself think of you in a bad way or a good way. All that really matters to me is the opinions of my coaches and teammates.

“Just earning their respect. Going out there and producing and impacting the game in a meaningful way that can turn into wins. No matter what my stats may look like. The most important thing to me is just going out and winning football games.”