Ethan Grunkemeyer, a native of the Columbus area, is preparing for a significant moment as he takes the field for Penn State against Ohio State on November 1 at Ohio Stadium. This matchup is particularly meaningful for Grunkemeyer, who steps in as the starting quarterback following season-ending ankle surgery to Drew Allar. Growing up just 20 minutes away from the stadium, Grunkemeyer is thrilled about the opportunity to compete on a stage he has long dreamed of.
“I dreamed about playing in that stadium,” Grunkemeyer expressed. “So, it’s going to be cool to go back home and have the chance to do that. I’m super excited.”
Despite not receiving an official offer from Ohio State during his recruitment, Grunkemeyer had interactions with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. “I took a couple visits down there. They never ended up offering me, but I had a pretty good relationship with the coaches,” he noted. He reminisces about nurturing a connection with their quarterback coach and offensive coordinator during those visits.
As a child, Grunkemeyer was an avid Ohio State football fan and recalls attending the thrilling 2017 game where the Buckeyes pulled off a 39-38 upset against the Nittany Lions. His affinity for the program runs deeper; his mother, Megan McCabe, was a member of the Ohio State women’s basketball team from 1997 to 1999. Furthermore, Grunkemeyer is actively involved in community service, volunteering for the 2nd & 7 Foundation, an organization founded by Ohio State football players Ryan Miller, Luke Fickell, and Mike Vrabel.
During his high school career at Olentangy, Grunkemeyer showcased his talent by throwing for 3,517 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions, all while achieving an impressive 66.3% completion rate. Since joining Penn State, he has completed 23 passes out of 39 attempts for 198 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
As he prepares to lead the Nittany Lions against a team he has long admired, Grunkemeyer represents an inspiring story of perseverance and dreams coming to fruition on a grand scale. With the game on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the young quarterback tackles this challenging yet exciting opportunity.