Penn State returns one of college football’s most productive backfield tandems for the 2025 season. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen powered the Nittany Lions’ run-heavy attack during their College Football Playoff appearance.
Both backs are positioning themselves as potential high picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The best college football programs typically feature multiple elite players at key positions. Alabama had four wide receivers selected in the top 15 picks during 2019. Ohio State won last season’s championship with two running backs who became second-round NFL selections.
Penn State’s dual-threat approach mirrors that championship model.
Heavy workload split between both backs
Penn State used both runners throughout their offensive packages rather than splitting duties by down and distance.
Allen carried the ball 220 times for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns while appearing in one more game than his backfield partner. Singleton recorded 172 carries for 1,099 yards and 12 scores with better per-carry efficiency.
Singleton also served as the primary receiving threat out of the backfield with 41 catches compared to Allen’s 18 receptions.
Both backs excelled in Penn State’s inside zone concepts despite seeing action in various gap and zone schemes. Allen relied heavily on his footwork while Singleton used vision and patience to find running lanes.
Neither back possesses elite breakaway speed that limits their big-play potential. Singleton’s speed grades as above-average, but Allen’s longest run covered just 32 yards in 2024.
Draft projections favor Singleton
Both running backs project as Day 2 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Singleton enters the season with higher expectations and a realistic path to first-round consideration.
Singleton’s 6’0", 220-pound frame fits the NFL prototype for the position better than Allen’s 5’10", 217-pound build. The size difference shows up in their games, with both backs offering contact balance but Singleton accessing his power more effectively.
Singleton’s combination of vision and footwork creates more trust among evaluators.
If he develops as a more reliable third-down option, Singleton could hear his name called in the late first round.
Allen currently projects as a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick based on his current skill set. He’s proven capable of handling a heavy workload and his power helps him find positive yards on backside cuts.
Allen lacks the burst to break off explosive plays and hasn’t shown enough passing-down ability to stay on the field in obvious throwing situations.
Drafting Allen early would require believing he can lead a running back committee, and his efficiency numbers don’t justify that level of draft capital yet.
As Singleton aims for first-round consideration, Allen faces an uphill battle to improve his draft stock. Penn State’s expected playoff run will provide both backs with opportunities against elite competition.
The Nittany Lions’ championship aspirations depend largely on whether this backfield tandem can replicate their 2024 production on an even bigger stage.
