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USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Penn State all-time rushing leaders heading into 2025 season
Penn State running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are within striking distance of Evan Royster's all-time rushing record. Penn State's all-time rushing yards leaderboard is set to be shaken up this year, as the 2025 Nittany Lions have two running backs who will be gunning for the No. 1 spot. Nicholas Singleton (10th) and Kaytron Allen (11th) are about 1,000 yards away from Evan Royster's career mark of 3,932 yards. With Penn State playing as many as 16 games this season in the expanded playoff format, Singleton and Allen both have a great chance of making it to the top. Here are the top 15 leading rushers in Penn State history. 1. Evan Royster Years: 2007-2010 Career rushing yards: 3,932 Penn State's all-time leading rusher often goes under the radar, but he was a key piece during Joe Paterno's final few seasons with the program. Evan Royster was consistent in his four-year career and had three 1,000-yard seasons from 2008-2010. Royster was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played for three seasons, rushing for 416 yards and two touchdowns. 2. Saquon Barkley Years: 2015-2017 Career rushing yards: 3,843 Saquon Barkley needs no introduction for Penn State fans. He was a star from Day 1 at Penn State, scorching defense across three seasons and totaling a program-record 43 career rushing touchdowns. He finished fourth in Heisman voting in 2017. Barkley was drafted by the New York Giants No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. When healthy, he's been one of the league's best backs, and he's coming off a 2,000-yard season and Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles. 3. Curt Warner Years: 1979-1982 Career rushing yards: 3,398 Curt Warner set a program record with 18 career 100-yard games, and none were more important than his 177 yards in the 1982 Sugar Bowl against Georgia — Penn State's first national championship. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Warner was selected No. 3 overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was a three-time Pro Bowler with Seattle and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 1994. 4. Tony Hunt Years: 2003-2006 Career rushing yards: 3,320 Tony Hunt did most of his damage in his junior and senior years, where he ran for a combined 2,433 yards and 17 touchdowns. He helped Penn State win the 2006 Orange Bowl over Florida State. Hunt was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Eagles. He'd only play for two seasons and was out of the league by 2009. 5. Blair Thomas Years: 1985-1989 Career rushing yards: 3,301 Blair Thomas contributed to Penn State's 1986 championship team, but his breakout came the following season when he rushed for 1,414 yards and 11 touchdowns. He sat out the 1988 season with an injury and came back in 1989 with 1,341 yards rushing. Thomas was drafted No. 2 overall by the New York Jets in 1990. He never reached his potential in New York and finished his six-year career with 2,236 rushing yards. 6. Curtis Enis Years: 1995-1997 Career rushing yards: 3,256 Curtis Enis exploded in 1996 and 1997 with a total of 2,573 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns. He helped lead Penn State to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Texas in 1997 and placed fifth in Heisman voting the following year. Enis was drafted fifth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1998 NFL Draft, but injuries limited his pro career to only three seasons. 7. D.J. Dozier Years: 1983-1986 Career rushing yards: 3,227 Unlike the other players on this list, D.J. Dozier's best rushing season was actually in his freshman year, when he had 1,002 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He'll live on in Penn State lore after his game-winning touchdown in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl against Miami, which gave the Nittany Lions their second national title. Dozier was drafted 14th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1987 NFL Draft. He never panned out in the pros, and he later played in the MLB with the New York Mets in 1992. 8. Larry Johnson Years: 1999-2002 Career rushing yards: 2,953 Larry Johnson had arguably the best single season of any Penn State running back in 2002, when he ran for a program-record 2,087 yards and 20 touchdowns and finished third in Heisman voting. He also set the single-game rushing record with 327 yards against Indiana. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played in the league for nine seasons and eclipsed 2,000 yards from scrimmage in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. 9. Lydell Mitchell Years: 1969-1971 Career rushing yards: 2,934 The oldest player on this list, Lydell Mitchell lives on in Penn State's record books with his program-record 26 rushing touchdowns in 1971, which was also an NCAA record at the time. He was inducted into the CFB Hall of Fame in 2004. Mitchell was drafted in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts and had a productive career as a runner and receiver. He finished his career with 9,737 yards from scrimmage and 47 touchdowns. 10. Nicholas Singleton Years: 2022– Career rushing yards: 2,912 Nicholas Singleton was a star since he stepped on campus with 1,061 yards rushing and a program-record 12 touchdowns as a freshman. He hasn't slowed down from there, and he needs only 1,020 yards this season to break Royster's record. 11. Kaytron Allen Years: 2022– Career rushing yards: 2,877 Kaytron Allen has actually outrushed Singleton in each of the last two seasons, making for a fun race to see who takes the career rushing record by the end of the season. Allen needs 1,055 yards to take the top spot. 12. Ki-Jana Carter Years: 1992-1994 Career rushing yards: 2,829 Ki-Jana Carter's 1994 season is one of the best in program history and led to him finishing as the Heisman runner-up. He had 1,539 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns, helping Penn State finish the season with a perfect 12-0 record. Carter was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1995 NFL Draft, but injuries prevented him from being a star at the next level. 13. Matt Suhey Years: 1976-1979 Career rushing yards: 2,818 Matt Suhey was reliable across his four seasons at Penn State and helped the Nittany Lions win the 1977 Fiesta Bowl over Arizona State. Suhey was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a 10-year pro career as the Bears' fullback, including a Super Bowl title in 1985. 14. John Cappelletti Years: 1972-1973 Career rushing yards: 2,639 To this day, John Cappelletti is the only Nittany Lion to win the Heisman. He had to sit behind Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell for his first two years — if he started earlier, he very well could be the team's all-time leading rusher. He was inducted into the CFB Hall of Fame in 1993. Cappelletti was drafted 11th overall in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He was primarily a fullback at the next level, spending five seasons in L.A. and four more with the San Diego Chargers. 15. Eric McCoo Years: 1998-2001 Career rushing yards: 2,518 The last runner on this list is Eric McCoo, who was Penn State's lead back for his first three seasons, which included wins in the Outback Bowl and Alamo Bowl. McCoo was signed by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2004, where he won an NFC Championship before losing in the Super Bowl that year.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Penn State ranks in CBS Sports writer's preseason ranking
The preseason US LBM Coaches Poll is out, and soon enough, the media poll, the AP Top 25, will be hitting the wire as well. The coaches poll fulfilled the offseason hype for Penn State by placing the Nittany Lions at no. 3 in the nation with 14 first-place votes cast in their favor. Penn State has been a trendy pick this offseason with a roster loaded and primed to take another step forward this fall. Adding fuel to the hype train is the first look at the ranking of every FBS team served up by CBS Sports. Chip Patterson of CBS Sports takes on the duty of ranking all 136 FBS programs throughout the season (USA TODAY Sports will have a similar ranking as well), and he is echoing the praise of so many for Penn State this offseason with his preseason rankings. Patterson ranks Penn State at no. 2 in his preseason ranking of every FBS program, with only the Texas Longhorns coming in ahead of Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Zane Durant, and the rest of the Nittany Lions. Penn State is one spot ahead of Ohio State in this particular ranking, for whatever that is worth. Penn State finished the 2024 season ranked fifth in Patterson's ranking. Texas finished at no. 4 and Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oregon all took the top three spots, respectively. Penn State's only losses in the 2024 season came against Ohio State (regular season), Oregon (Big Ten championship game), and Notre Dame (College Football Playoff semifinal in the Orange Bowl). In addition to Penn State and Ohio State, other Big Ten teams ranked in the top 15 by Patterson include Oregon (no. 7), Illinois (no. 13), and Michigan (no. 15). Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State takes high spot in CBS Sports preseason ranking
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Penn State receives highest preseason US LBM Coaches Poll ranking since 1999
A season of raised expectations saw the bar officially raised one more time this summer for the Penn State Nittany Lions. The preseason US LBM Coaches Poll was released on Monday, and Penn State is set to start the season ranked No. 3 in the nation. Penn State received 14 first-place votes in the preseason poll. Texas takes the top spot in the preseason coaches poll with 28 first-place votes. Defending national champion Ohio State received 20 first-place votes and is ranked second in the preseason poll. Other Big Ten teams ranked in the preseason coaches poll include Oregon (no. 7), Illinois (no. 12), Michigan (no. 14), and Indiana (no. 19). Penn State returns a loaded roster this season from a team that made a run to an appearance in the Big Ten championship game and the semifinal of the College Football Playoff. Penn State was one drive away from playing for the national championship, which means the program is looking to take care of some unfinished business in 2025. This is Penn State's highest preseason ranking in the coaches poll since starting off the 1999 season ranked no. 4 . Penn State dominated preseason no. 3 Arizona at home in the Pigskin Classic to back up that preseason ranking right out of the gates. Penn State started the 1997 season ranked no. 2 in the coaches poll behind Florida. The Nittany Lions started off no. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 that same season. Penn State ended that 1997 season with a final record of 9-3 after seeing things fall apart quickly with a shocking loss at home to Minnesota. Penn State returns starting quarterback Drew Allar and arguably the best running back duo in the nation with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Those three will play behind one of the best offensive lines James Franklin has had to work with, and the team adds key transfer additions with Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, and DeVonte Ross to address a need at wide receiver. The defense is highlighted by the offseason hire of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who is excited to work with defensive linemen like Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Penn State's secondary will be in stable hands with A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley looking to make big plays and create turnovers. The rise of Tony Rojas at linebacker will also keep Penn State's defense among the best in the Big Ten and the nation. Penn State's 2025 schedule gets started at home with a game against Nevada on Saturday, Aug. 30. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 offensive keys for Penn State's in 2025
Penn State is heading into one of the most anticipated and most hyped seasons in the James Franklin era. The Nittany Lions are feeling confident about what comes back on offense and what has been added through the transfer portal. Is this a season where the offense clicks in the biggest moments to get this program over the hump against the best of the best on the schedule? If so, this could be a magical season in Happy Valley. Here are five quick keys to a successful Penn State offense in 2025. Drew Allar must be THE guy Drew Allar is entering his senior season with the weight of the program on his shoulders. He's already racked up nearly 6,000 passing yards and 50 touchdowns in his career. But in 2025, he needs to go from solid to elite — especially in tight games. If he commands the huddle and thrives in big moments, Penn State has a real shot to run the table. Offensive line must keep building One of the biggest strengths this season is the return of multiple offensive line starters. The unit showed flashes in 2024, but the consistency wasn't always there. If this group can dominate in the trenches, especially late in games, it will give Allar time and open lanes for the run game. Balance between Singleton and Allen The duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is one of the best backfield combos in the country. What they need in 2025 is rhythm. That means finding the hot hand, committing to the run, and using them more in the passing game. They're too talented not to get 30+ combined touches a game. Wide receivers must step up Penn State attacked the position through the transfer portal to bring in much-needed help, but we will have to see it pay off on the field rather than go on hype. Kyron Hudson, the USC transfer, is a big-time red zone threat, and the addition of Trebor Pena from Syracuse gives Penn State another big-time target to lock in with. These receivers need to consistently create separation and help stretch the field to keep defenses honest. Clean football wins games Penn State's offense can't afford turnovers, stalled red-zone drives, or mental errors. Finishing possessions, owning third downs, and protecting the football are what separate a 10-win team from a championship one. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: How Penn State's offense can fuel a 2025 championship run
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Franklin predicts historic season for Penn State running back duo
Following the 2024 college football season, which saw Penn State reach the semifinal of the College Football Playoff, there were some questions as to which of Penn State's dynamic running back duo would return. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen each could have explored other options, be it the NFL or a potential transfer destination to no longer share the backfield. But then a funny thing happened. Both running backs decided to run it back in Happy Valley in 2025. There was much rejoicing, especially from head coach James Franklin. "I thought one of those guys would decide to declare for the NFL and the other one would come back," Franklin said during his Big Ten football media day press conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon. He was not alone in thinking one of the two would be playing football somewhere else this fall. It may still be surprising for many to see Singleton and Allen each suiting up in the blue and white once again. Singleton and Allen each rushed for 1,000 yards last season (Allen rushed for a team-high 1,108 yards and Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards) during Penn State's playoff run. Even with the benefit of playing in a total of 16 games last season (12 regular season games, the Big Ten championship game, and three College Football Playoff games), Penn State received terrific production from its top two running backs, who have embraced playing together as a cohesive combo since their arrival as standout freshmen. Being able to bring both back for another season is nothing to overlook, especially behind Penn State's beefy offensive line. "[When] you talk about taking some of that production, we've got two great running backs," Franklin said during Big Ten media day. "You know as well as anybody Penn State from a historical standpoint at the running back position, been a ton of really good players. It's amazing to me that both Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have a chance to be the all-time leading rushers in Penn State history, 1 and 2, and they've been sharing carries their entire career." When the 2025 season kicks off for Penn State (Aug. 30 vs. Nevada), Singleton will already be Penn State's 10th all-time leading rusher with 2,912 career rushing yards. Right behind him on the list is Allen with 2,877 career rushing yards. Penn State has seven players in program history who have rushed for at least 3,000 career yards. It could take just one game for that number to increase. And yes, the top spots on the all-time list are attainable for Singleton and Allen. Evan Royster is Penn State's all-time leading rusher with 3,932 yards. Saquon Barkley is second on the list with 3,843 career rushing yards. Will Allen and Singleton be the new kings of the Penn State rushing record book by the end of the season? It is entirely possible and would be a remarkable feat. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: James Franklin grateful for return of top two running backs in 2025
