PENN STATE: How did Penn State’s young RBs react to Singleton, Allen’s NFL decisions?

By Johnny McGonigal, pennlive.com Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen shocked a lot of people in the days after Penn State s College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame.

Some fans thought both star running backs would leave for the NFL.

Some hoped the Nittany Lions would get one back next season.

But in a matter of moments, Singleton and Allen changed the trajectory for the 2025 campaign.

Singleton and Allen announced in quick succession on Jan.

13 that they would be returning for their senior seasons.

Singleton could have been a Day 2 draft pick.

Allen would have gone shortly after him.

But both delayed their NFL futures in pursuit of a national championship.

Allen and Singletons decisions brought a wave of excitement and anticipation to the fan base.

But how did Penn States other running backs take the news? I was very surprised, said Quinton Martin, a blue-chip 2024 signee from Belle Vernon.

I definitely thought one of them would end up transferring out of here, I mean, not transferring but going to the draft.

But it is what it is.

It happened.

They decided to stay.

They thought that was the best for them.

So Im going to be by their side through the decisions.

I was prepared to live with both situations, added Corey Smith, a fellow four-star tailback in the 2024 recruiting class.

At the end of the day, me, Quinton, Cam (Wallace), we all have roles.

If someones down, its next man up.

We just have to be prepared in our situations.

Allen and Singleton coming back is an obvious win for the Nittany Lions.

The dynamic duo has combined for 5,789 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns over three seasons.

Singleton and Allen were particularly good during the Nittany Lions memorable CFP run.

Bringing those two back in the NIL era is a sign the Nittany Lions are pushing to go for a national title yet again.

But the byproduct of Singleton and Allen returning is that others will have to wait longer than expected.

Surely, Martin and Smith didnt expect Singleton and Allen to stay all four years when they were being recruited.

Same goes for Wallace, a third-year tailback who served as the No.

3 before suffering a season-ending injury in 2024.

Penn State will have seven scholarship backs in 2025: Singleton, Allen, Wallace, Martin, Smith and signees Tiqwai Hayes and Jabree Wallace-Coleman.

Touches will be at a premium behind Singleton and Allen, and competition will be fierce.

Both Martin and Smith said, in the wake of JaJuan Seiders departure to Notre Dame , that neither are considering the transfer portal.

Well see if any of those tailbacks test the waters when the portal re-opens for a spring window in April.

But for the time being, both Martin and Smith have said theyre focused on the positives of the situation.

While their potential playing time has been impacted, they have another year to learn from two of the best running backs in college football.

Obviously, I would love to play more, Martin said.

But at the end of the day, Nick and Kaytron are incredible running backs.

Theyve been here for three years.

Theyre veterans.

They know a lot about the game.

And Im happy I get to learn and critique my game in every way just by watching them, watching what they do to prepare.

I wouldnt say, I mean, it can be frustrating at times.

But at the same time, its a good thing..

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