Ethan Grunkemeyer, born July 10, 2005, in Lewis Center, Ohio, is a rising star quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Known for his size, accuracy, and football IQ, Grunkemeyer has quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in college football. He first attracted attention in high school, where he set multiple passing records and earned first-team all-state honors.
Grunkemeyer’s rise from a lightly recruited high school athlete to a four-star quarterback at Penn State highlights his dedication, perseverance, and talent. As he takes over starting duties for the Nittany Lions, his performance and potential Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are already generating significant interest among fans and brands.
Quick Facts of Ethan Grunkemeyer
| Full Name | Ethan McCabe Grunkemeyer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 10, 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Lewis Center, Ohio, USA |
| Age | 20 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 203 lb (92 kg) |
| High School | Olentangy High School, Lewis Center, Ohio |
| College | Penn State University (2024–present) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Class | Redshirt Freshman |
| Awards | Elite 11 Finalist, First-Team All-State, County Offensive Player of the Year |
| NIL Deals | In progress / emerging prospects |
| Recruitment Rank | 4-star recruit, No. 5 QB in 2024 class (ESPN) |
Early Life and High School Career
Grunkemeyer grew up in Lewis Center, Ohio, and started playing flag football at age three. At Olentangy High School, he excelled in football and basketball. After being a backup his freshman year, he became the starting quarterback as a sophomore, throwing for 2,152 yards with 16 touchdowns.
His junior year saw him pass for 2,649 yards and 25 touchdowns. In his senior season, he threw for 3,517 yards and 39 touchdowns, guiding Olentangy to an 11–2 record. He finished his high school career with 8,401 passing yards and 80 touchdowns, setting multiple career and single-season records. Grunkemeyer also earned spots in the Elite 11 finals and the Under Armour All-America Game.
College Career
Grunkemeyer joined Penn State in 2024 as a redshirt freshman, initially serving as the third-string quarterback behind Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. After Pribula entered the transfer portal, Grunkemeyer was promoted to Allar’s backup. He made his college debut in a playoff game against SMU, completing one of two passes for nine yards with an interception.
In 2025, following an injury to Drew Allar, Grunkemeyer was named the starting quarterback. In his first start, he threw for 93 yards and two interceptions in a 25–24 loss to Iowa. His size, arm strength, and composure indicate strong potential for future seasons.
NIL Deals and Market Potential
Although still early in his collegiate career, Grunkemeyer’s profile as a starting quarterback at a top program like Penn State positions him for future NIL opportunities. He has the potential to sign deals with apparel, lifestyle, and sports-related brands as he establishes himself as a leader on the field.
Legacy and Outlook
Ethan Grunkemeyer’s rapid rise from a lightly recruited high school quarterback to a starting role at Penn State highlights his work ethic and talent. With continued development, he could become a prominent figure in college football and potentially a future NFL prospect, while also benefiting from the growing opportunities in the NIL era.
