Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) passes in front of Rutgers linebacker Sam Robinson (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The Nittany Lions may have found their quarterback to lead them through their coaching transition.

Ethan Grunkemeyer played his best game yet in helping Penn State (6-6) defeat Rutgers, 40-36, Saturday to finish the regular season with a third-straight victory and gain bowl eligibility.

No matter who succeeds James Franklin, it’s nice to have a quarterback in the program who appears capable and has gained experience.

Terry Smith, the Lions’ interim coach, provided his endorsement afterward.

“He’s the future of the position for us,” Smith said. “That’s what you expect from QB1. Our future’s bright.”

Grunkemeyer completed 17-of-21 for 209 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Since taking over for the injured Drew Allar, he’s completing 69.1 percent (92-of-133) for 974 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.

Grunkemeyer has steadily improved in six starts. He only completed 53 percent in his first game, at Iowa, but he has been over 67 percent in four of the next five with a 70-plus completion rate in three of the last four.

In the last three weeks, albeit against struggling defenses, he’s 36-of-46.

The offensive line and run game have improved, too, and while Smith doesn’t think that’s a coincidence, he’s been around long enough to know: “Great quarterbacks do what’s necessary for victory — not only in college football but the NFL. Everybody’s in search of that guy.”

It’s too early to predict greatness for Grunk, but he’s displayed encouraging signs. He doesn’t panic at the line of scrimmage, even at hostile environments (Iowa, Ohio State) that can rattle (and have) inexperienced QBs with less poise.

“He runs our offense,” Smith said. “He’s taken great strides to get better. He works his tail off during the week, and he’s growing up every single day right in front of us.”

Against Rutgers, Grunk was especially adept in key situations. He’s leading receivers better, showing touch, and he converted a pair of fourth-down throws to tight end Andrew Rappleyea, one for a touchdown and the other for a first down that clinched the game.

He hasn’t thrown an interception in three weeks. He took five sacks in his first two games but only six in the next four.

Saturday, it was his demeanor that stood out.

After the Lions, down 36-33 in the fourth quarter, botched a situation with a false-start penalty — for which Smith blamed himself — and led to a punt, Grunk could be seen going up and down the Penn State bench, encouraging the defense to get the ball back.

First-year starters aren’t always that outwardly confident.

“They have to lead the whole team,” Smith said of the quarterback position.

“I was frustrating with some of the clock stoppages,” Grunkemeyer said. “I tried to get the (defensive) guys ready to go to win the game. They got a huge stop and helped us finish out the game.”

Grunkemeyer, who could have three seasons of eligibility left, appreciates Smith’s confidence in him.

“At a school like Penn State, to have somebody say that about you is a great feeling,” he said. “I’m super excited about that.”

Grunk’s role will expand during the next month. It’s become doubtful that Smith will be chosen to succeed James Franklin.

Some upperclassmen may decide not to play in a lesser bowl game, perhaps the Music City in Nashville or the Pinstripe in New York City.

Veteran running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton both deflected that decision after the game Saturday.

“One thing at a time,” Allen, who rushed for a career-high 226 yards and surpassed the 4,000-career mark, said.

Singleton said he plans to talk with his family.

The remaining roster will be charged with keeping the team engaged, particularly if a new coaching staff is getting adjusted.

“There are unknowns, to be honest,” Grunkemeyer said. “We don’t know who is going to be brought in. Hopefully I’ve shown the guys my resiliency. I feel more comfortable taking the next step.

“I think they’re going to do a great job bringing somebody in, whether that’s Coach Terry, which we hope for, or whether that’s somebody else. But I trust them to make the decisions that need to be made from there.”

Linebacker Amare Campbell, whose 61-yard fumble return for a touchdown ended up being the game-winning play, sees a bowl game as an opportunity to build team unity after a tough year.

“We have a lot of guys who are supposed to be declaring (intentions),” he said. “I can’t speak for a lot of people but as underclassmen, we’re ready to play.”

Starting with their quarterback.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.