The era of Nick Singleton in Happy Valley has officially come to a close. On January 10, 2026, the Governor Mifflin product announced he would forego his final year of eligibility to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
Singleton leaves Penn State not just as a statistical giant, but as a culture-setter who helped redefine the running back standard in the post-Saquon Barkley era. From his Gatorade National Player of the Year arrival to his Rose Bowl dominance, No. 10 was electric.
Career Retrospective: The “Home Run” Hitter
Singleton’s legacy is defined by the “big play.” While his running mate Kaytron Allen was the hammer, Singleton was the lightning bolt.
Career Milestones:
- Freshman Impact (2022): Big Ten Freshman of the Year. 1,061 yards. 12 TDs.
- Rose Bowl MVP: His 87-yard touchdown run against Utah remains one of the iconic plays in Penn State bowl history.
- The 3,000 Yard Club: Singleton finishes his career with over 3,000 rushing yards, placing him among the program’s all-time greats.
2025 Season Analysis: Battling Adversity
Singleton’s senior campaign was challenging. With Drew Allar injured and defenses loading the box (often putting 8 or 9 defenders near the line of scrimmage), the “easy” yards disappeared.
Despite this, Singleton remained productive.
| Stat Category | 2025 Stats | Career Avg/Yr |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 12 | 12.8 |
| Rushing Yards | 549 | 900+ |
| Touchdowns | 14 | 11 |
| Receptions | 35 | 25 |
| Yards Per Carry | 4.5 | 5.8 |
Analyst Note: While the yardage dipped, the touchdown production (14) was actually a career high. He became the primary red-zone weapon, showing a gritty, tough-running style that scouts hadn’t seen as much in his early years.
NFL Draft Scouting Report
As he transitions to the pros, Singleton is viewed as one of the top running backs in the 2026 class.
Strengths:
- Elite Burst: His 0-to-60 acceleration is still elite. If he gets a crease, he’s gone.
- Contact Balance: He has added 10 pounds of muscle since his freshman year and runs through arm tackles with ease.
- Pass Protection: This is the most improved part of his game. Trusted to stay on the field on 3rd downs.
Weaknesses:
- Vision inconsistency: Can sometimes bounce runs outside too early rather than taking what’s blocked.
- Receiving nuances: Capable catcher, but not a diverse route runner (mostly wheels and screens).
Draft Projection: Day 2 Lock
Most NFL experts project Singleton as a Second Round pick.
- Comp: Kenneth Walker III meets Miles Sanders.
- Best Fits: Miami Dolphins (scheme fit), Philadelphia Eagles (local connection, need explosiveness), Dallas Cowboys.
Final Verdict
Nick Singleton delivered on the hype. He stayed home, he brought excitement back to Beaver Stadium, and he leaves as an ambassador of the program. While the 2025 season didn’t end with a championship, Singleton’s individual brilliance was a constant bright spot. Penn State will now turn to the transfer portal and young talent to fill the massive void left by No. 10.