Few backfields can match the consistency Kaytron Allen has provided Penn State. The Florida native has churned out three straight 800-plus yard seasons, formed one half of the “LawnBoyz” tandem with Nicholas Singleton, and carried even more responsibility once Drew Allar’s ankle injury reshaped the 2025 offense.
IMG Academy to Happy Valley
Allen starred at IMG Academy, sharing carries with a roster full of blue-chip talent while showcasing elite vision and patience. He signed with Penn State in the 2022 class and immediately fit into Ja’Juan Seider’s room thanks to his low center of gravity and ability to press the line before cutting.
Year-by-Year Production
- 2022: 13 games, 167 carries, 867 yards (5.2 YPC), 10 rushing touchdowns; added 20 receptions for 188 yards.
- 2023: 13 games, 172 carries, 902 yards (5.2), six touchdowns; 14 catches for 81 yards.
- 2024: 16 games, 220 carries, 1,108 yards (5.0), eight touchdowns; 18 receptions for 153 yards and two scores.
- 2025 (through eight games): 119 carries, 688 yards (5.8), 10 touchdowns; 12 receptions for 43 yards.
Allen entered the 2025 season with 2,877 career rushing yards and has already climbed into the top 10 on Penn State’s all-time list.
Complementing Nicholas Singleton
Penn State’s run game works because Allen and Singleton attack defenses differently. Singleton threatens the edge with long speed, while Allen thrives between the tackles, slipping through creases and finishing runs with leg drive. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has leaned on Allen’s physicality since Allar’s injury, calling more duo and counter concepts that let the veteran set up blocks behind center Nick Dawkins.
Workhorse Role in 2025
With Allar sidelined and the passing game still finding chemistry with redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, Allen has become the offense’s stabilizer. He has logged at least 20 touches in five of eight contests, ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing touchdowns, and continues to produce on first down to keep the playbook balanced. His 67-yard burst against Iowa served as a reminder that he still has home-run ability when the blocking creases.
What Comes Next
Allen’s build (5-foot-11, 222 pounds) and steady production give him a strong NFL projection as a Day 2 back who can share a backfield immediately. Scouts value his ball security, pass protection, and patience pressing inside zones. If he finishes the 2025 slate healthy, Allen could surpass 4,000 career yards and push onto the shortlist of the most productive runners in Penn State history.
However the rest of the season unfolds, Penn State knows it can give No. 13 the ball and expect positive yardage. In a tumultuous year, Kaytron Allen’s dependable style has been the offense’s safety blanket.