STATE COLLEGE – In a remarkable display of teamwork and individual achievement, Penn State running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton solidified their legacy during their final game at Beaver Stadium. The duo led the Nittany Lions to a decisive 37-10 victory over Nebraska, marking a historic night that showcased their unbreakable bond and impressive statistics.
Both players arrived at Penn State in 2022 and quickly became close friends, sharing countless hours as roommates, teammates, and workout partners. Their connection was evident as they celebrated Allen becoming the program’s all-time leading rusher and Singleton tying two career touchdown records.
Allen achieved a significant milestone by rushing for 160 yards on 25 carries, including a pivotal 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter that propelled him past Evan Royster’s previous record. With this performance, Allen surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season, concluding his career with a total of 3,954 yards. “It’s special because it went back to all the winter workouts and things like that,” Allen remarked. “Pushing each other and feeding off each other. It just means a lot. He’s my brother, and we are just tight.”
Singleton, who recorded 95 all-purpose yards with two touchdowns, expressed pride in his teammate’s accomplishments. “Tonight felt good. I scored two touchdowns and tied Saquon Barkley’s records. My boy Fat (Allen) broke the all-time rushing record. It just felt good,” Singleton said. He finished his career with 5,403 total yards, placing him just 135 yards shy of Barkley’s school record, while also tying Barkley’s mark of 41 rushing touchdowns.
The chemistry between the two running backs has been evident throughout their time at Penn State. Singleton, despite stepping back as a secondary option since the transition to interim head coach Terry Smith on October 12, 2023, has always supported Allen. “There’s no jealousy or anything like that. We’re happy for each other. We want the best for each other,” Singleton explained.
As freshmen, Allen and Singleton set a new tone during spring practice, bringing a level of physicality and dedication that the team had previously lacked. With their performances, they joined an elite group of Penn State running backs, becoming two of just nine players in the program’s history to achieve multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
Looking ahead, if Singleton rushes for just 24 yards in their upcoming game against Rutgers, both players will finish their careers as the first and fourth all-time leading rushers in Penn State history. “I was confident four years ago, but we had to put the work in,” Singleton stated, reflecting on their journey. “It’s unreal. I haven’t taken a moment to think about it. It’s been so fast.”
In a touching moment after the game, Singleton was one of the first players to embrace Allen on the sideline. “I’m still just trying to wrap my head around it,” Allen said. “Unfortunately, the season hasn’t gone as planned. If we could have been winning the whole season and I didn’t get the record, I’d rather do that. I’m just glad I got an opportunity to do this. I’m just grateful for my team.”
The duo’s performance provided a memorable highlight for Penn State fans during a season marked by disappointment and high expectations that ultimately led to the departure of head coach James Franklin. Terry Smith praised the two backs, stating, “Just another unbelievable effort by the tandem. They’re unbelievable. They’re amazing people. They’re unselfish. They’re happy for each other.”
As Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton conclude their collegiate careers, their bond and achievements will undoubtedly resonate within the Penn State community for years to come.
