Penn State's dynamic running back duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen entered the 2025 season with history in their sights. Both seniors are within striking distance of Evan Royster's school rushing record of 3,932 yards, setting up a fascinating race to become Penn State's all-time leading rusher.
Current Standings
Kaytron Allen leads the chase with 3,150 career rushing yards entering the season, needing just 782 yards to surpass Royster's mark. Nick Singleton sits close behind with 3,091 career yards, requiring 841 yards to claim the record. With nine regular-season games remaining after the first month of play, both backs are well-positioned to make history.
Historic Duo
The partnership between Singleton and Allen has already produced unprecedented results. In 2024, they became the first Penn State duo to both rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. They are also the first Power 4 running back duo to each rush for 750-plus yards in three consecutive seasons since at least 1996.
Singleton's career has been marked by explosive plays and elite speed. The 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year combines 4.39 forty-yard dash speed with remarkable power, making him one of the most feared backs in college football. His ability to break long runs and catch passes out of the backfield provides offensive versatility.
Allen brings a complementary skill set, utilizing power and vision to exploit running lanes between the tackles. His patient running style allows blocking schemes to develop, and his ability to break tackles creates yards after contact. Together, they form a one-two punch that defenses struggle to contain.
2024 Breakthrough
Last season represented a career year for both backs. Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards with 6.4 yards per carry and 13 rushing touchdowns, while adding 375 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. His 1,805 all-purpose yards ranked fifth in a single season at Penn State.
Allen appeared in 16 games with five starts, rushing for 1,108 yards on 220 carries (5.1 yards per carry) with eight touchdowns. He added 18 receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility in the passing game. His consistent production earned him recognition as one of the Big Ten's premier running backs.
The Record in Sight
Evan Royster set Penn State's career rushing record during his tenure from 2005-2009, accumulating 3,932 yards across four seasons. The record has stood for 16 years, representing one of the program's most prestigious achievements.
Both Singleton and Allen have realistic paths to surpassing Royster's mark. Averaging approximately 87 yards per game over the remaining nine regular-season contests would push Allen past the record. Singleton would need roughly 93 yards per game, a pace both backs have demonstrated they can maintain.
Impact on 2025 Season
The decision by both Singleton and Allen to return for their senior seasons rather than declare for the NFL Draft significantly impacted Penn State's championship expectations. Their combined experience and production give the Nittany Lions one of the nation's most potent ground games.
In the season opener against Nevada, both backs looked sharp, continuing their career-long excellence. The 46-11 victory showcased the offensive efficiency that the running back duo provides, setting the tone for the season ahead.
NFL Prospects
While chasing school records, both backs are also positioning themselves for the NFL Draft. Singleton's explosive speed and receiving ability make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking versatile backs. Allen's power running and consistent production appeal to teams looking for reliable between-the-tackles runners.
Their decision to return for 2025 allows both to further develop their skills and potentially improve their draft positions. A strong senior season could solidify first-round consideration for both players.
Teammates, Not Rivals
Perhaps most impressive about the record chase is the genuine friendship and mutual support between Singleton and Allen. Rather than competing against each other, they've consistently praised one another and celebrated each other's success.
This team-first mentality has been crucial to Penn State's offensive success. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki can deploy both backs without ego issues, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. The willingness to share carries and celebrate team success over individual accolades reflects the culture that head coach James Franklin has built.
Historical Context
If both Singleton and Allen surpass Royster's record, it would mark the first time in Penn State history that teammates finished their careers as the top two rushers in school history. This achievement would cement their legacy as one of the greatest running back tandems in college football history.
The Path Forward
With the Oregon loss dropping Penn State to 3-1, the remaining schedule presents both challenges and opportunities for the running backs. Big Ten defenses are among the nation's most physical, requiring consistent production game after game.
Northwestern, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Michigan all present unique defensive challenges. The ability of Singleton and Allen to maintain production against elite competition will be crucial for Penn State's championship aspirations.
Legacy Building
Beyond the statistics and records, Singleton and Allen are building a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Their combination of individual excellence and team success represents everything Penn State football values: hard work, dedication, and putting the team first.
As the season progresses and the record chase intensifies, Nittany Lion fans will witness history in the making. Whether Singleton or Allen claims the record first—or if both ultimately surpass Royster—their impact on Penn State football is already secure. The 2025 season offers a final chapter in a story that has captivated Happy Valley for three remarkable years.