NEW Penn State Starting QB Ethan Grunkemeyer Explains How Team is Preparing for Iowa & Kinnick

Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer met with the media ahead of his first start following Drew Allar’s season-ending injury and James Franklin’s dismissal. Grunkemeyer talked about stepping into a leadership role, building trust with interim head coach Terry Smith, and preparing for his first major road test at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium.

He shared what it’s been like learning under Drew Allar, how the two still talk daily, and how he’s focused on keeping the team loose and having fun again. Grunkemeyer also reflected on Coach Franklin’s impact on his decision to come to Penn State, saying, “Part of the reason I chose Penn State was because of him — he cared about us as people.”

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0:00 – Preparing for first start & handling Kinnick Stadium noise
0:23 – Adjusting to coaching changes & working with Terry Smith
1:04 – Drew Allar’s mentorship & daily communication
1:47 – Leadership advice from Allar
2:12 – Offense struggles & what needs to change
2:50 – Establishing leadership & earning the locker room
3:33 – Feeling prepared for this moment with coaches O’Brien & McSorley
4:12 – Input on play-calling & trusting Coach Kotelnicki’s system
4:39 – Commanding the huddle & confidence from teammates
5:14 – “We’re having fun again”
5:59 – Grunkemeyer’s intensity & communication with receivers
6:46 – Building chemistry & relationships with wideouts
7:21 – Update on Drew Allar’s mindset after injury
7:57 – “Franklin cared about us as people”
8:44 – Partnership with Terry Smith & mutual honesty
9:11 – Closing remarks