Penn State is widely regarded as one of the best teams in college football next season, and many analysts believe that the Nittany Lions will be serious title contenders in 2025.
A lot of that belief is fueled by the fact that, despite being draft-eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, Penn State returned running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, who both rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024. Many were surprised that both backs decided to come back to the Nittany Lions and bypass the NFL, and now Penn State head coach James Franklin is breaking down why they did.
James Franklin Breaks Silence on Nick Singleton and Kayron Allen’s Return to Penn State
Franklin was on the “Triple Option” podcast, where legendary running back Mark Ingram asked him about Allen and Singleton returning to Penn State for their final season.
Franklin explained that he was not expecting both backs to return for the 2025 season.
“To be honest with you, I was surprised when they both came back. I thought it was going to be similar to our tight end situation, where we had Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson both tight ends, and once one decided to leave, the other one stayed.”
It’s rare to have two elite running backs set aside their egos and split carries, but Franklin explained that Allen and Singleton believe the situation in Penn State will set them up for future NFL success.
“I also think that they have bought into our philosophy here. We don’t want to be in a situation where we’re sending a running back to the NFL, and he’s got 3 or 400 carries on a season, and then the NFL feels that he’s beat up, and not a whole lot of tread left on the tires,” Franklin said.
“Our guys understand they’re really good complementary pieces, and it’s going to be really good for their longevity and their careers.”With the return of Allen and Singleton, there’s no doubt that Penn State will boast one of, if not the best, rushing attacks in college football next season.
From what Franklin said, it appears that Singleton and Allen are focused on improving their games and NFL Draft stock this season and are looking to help the Nittany Lions win a national championship in 2025.
If Singleton and Allen can replicate their 2024 success, behind what Franklin says is one of the best offensive lines in college football, there’s no doubt that they both will be high draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and that Penn State will be title contenders next season.
