Penn State junior running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton announced on Monday that they will not enter the NFL draft and will return for the 2025 season.
“We still have goals we want to reach as a team, and I want to be alongside my teammates as we reach those goals,” Singleton shared in his announcement.
This is big news for the Nittany Lions, as both Allen and Singleton are two of the top running backs in college football.
Meanwhile, junior quarterback Drew Allar also plans to return next season for his senior year. He had previously stated he would keep an “open mind” after receiving feedback from the NFL, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
On the other hand, star tight end Tyler Warren announced that he will enter the NFL draft. Warren is considered the No. 14 overall player by Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department. In 2024, he had 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
Even with Warren leaving, Penn State will have plenty of talent coming back, especially with the return of the two talented running backs.
“Going to work with coach Seider and the Lawnboyz every day is something I will cherish forever,” Allen wrote. “Penn State has been an extraordinary experience for me… it’s clear that we still have a lot more to accomplish.”
Both Allen and Singleton were part of one of the best rushing duos in college football this season. Allen rushed for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries, while Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns on 172 carries. Singleton also ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 6.4 yards per carry.
Together, they combined for 166 rushing yards in the 27-24 Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame, with Singleton scoring three touchdowns.
Singleton’s return is particularly surprising because he was projected as the No. 50 player in the 2025 NFL Draft and the No. 5 running back, according to Bleacher Report.
Although quarterback Drew Allar had already committed to returning to Penn State before the Orange Bowl, some NFL general managers believed he might have reconsidered entering the draft if he had performed well in the game, per Brugler. However, Allar’s final game was a letdown, as he threw for just 135 yards with zero touchdowns, one interception, and one fumble, completing only 52 percent of his passes.
Despite this, the Nittany Lions will head into next season with a talented and experienced backfield, with Allen, Singleton, and Allar returning.
