Nicholas Singleton entered 2025 already standing among the most explosive playmakers in Penn State history. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year has rushed for more than 3,000 yards in blue and white, shared backfield duties with Kaytron Allen, and delivered some of the program’s biggest postseason moments over the last two seasons.
Five-Star from the 717
Singleton grew up in Shillington, Pennsylvania and became a national recruit at Governor Mifflin High School, where he averaged 12.7 yards per carry and scored 41 touchdowns as a senior. Ranked the nation’s No. 1 running back in the 2022 class, he chose Penn State over Alabama and Notre Dame in part because of the staff’s track record with Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders.
Early Stardom in 2022
Singleton needed little time to validate the hype. As a true freshman he ripped off a 70-yard touchdown in his second collegiate game and finished the season with 1,061 rushing yards on 156 carries (6.8 yards per attempt) and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 85 yards and showcased his return ability in the Rose Bowl win over Utah.
Adjustments in 2023
Defenses loaded the box in 2023, daring Penn State’s young receivers to win outside. Singleton’s rushing average dipped to 4.4 yards per carry (171 carries, 752 yards, eight touchdowns), but he compensated by catching 26 passes for 308 yards and two scores. His versatility helped the Lions keep drives alive while quarterback Drew Allar settled into the starting job.
Dual-Threat Dominance in 2024
Singleton rebounded in a massive way during the 2024 Big Ten title run, totaling 1,099 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 41 receptions for 375 yards and five scores. He tied a program record with three rushing touchdowns in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, nearly single-handedly keeping Penn State within striking distance.
Navigating a Turbulent 2025
The Nittany Lions expected to lean on Singleton’s explosiveness again in 2025, but Drew Allar’s season-ending ankle injury has forced the offense to evolve on the fly. Through eight games Singleton has logged 82 carries for 292 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 16 catches for 123 yards. His yards per carry have dipped to 3.6 as defenses key on the run, but his ability to motion out wide and win on wheel routes remains invaluable for interim coach Terry Smith.
What Scouts See
Singleton blends 4.4 speed with a sturdy 218-pound frame. He is a nightmare in space, erases angles, and has improved in pass protection each year. NFL evaluators project him as a top-50 pick if he declares after the season, especially given his three-down skill set and proven production against top-tier competition.
Nicholas Singleton’s highlight reel already includes signature Penn State moments, and with several games left in 2025 he has an opportunity to rewrite portions of the program’s rushing record book. Whatever comes next, the Nittany Lions know their offense is more dangerous when No. 10 has the ball in his hands.