The season has been challenging for Nicholas Singleton, the senior running back at Penn State. Initially, Singleton, a native of Shillington, Pennsylvania, enjoyed considerable success as a freshman. In eight games, he rushed for 1,061 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. His standout performance included an impressive 87-yard touchdown at the 2023 Rose Bowl.
Over the following two seasons, he accumulated 2,534 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns. Given his performances, some draft analysts projected him as a potential second-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Singleton opted to remain at Penn State to pursue a national championship and further showcase his talents.
The 2025 season has been full of surprises for the Nittany Lions, with Singleton’s struggles being particularly notable. In the first eight games, he managed only 292 rushing yards on 82 attempts, averaging a career-low of 3.5 yards per carry. This represents a significant decline from his performance last season, where he averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Notably, he achieved only 39 rushing yards in his first five Big Ten games, scoring just twice.
Nicholas Singleton’s Comeback
Andy Kotelnicki, the offensive coordinator for Penn State, took responsibility for Singleton’s difficulties. He acknowledged the need to provide Singleton with more chances to display his speed. Kotelnicki stated, “It’s about continued opportunities and making sure that those opportunities are ones where he can utilize his speed.”
Singleton’s challenges were compounded by the success of his roommate and fellow running back, Kaytron Allen, who was having a standout season. This raised questions regarding the offensive line’s performance, which had been a potential excuse for Singleton’s lack of production. As the season progressed, it became clear that Singleton was not performing at his usual level, and his explosive runs became scarce.
Support from Coaches and Teammates
Despite his struggles, team officials maintained their belief in Singleton’s ability to bounce back. “The people who kept me going are the coaches and my teammates,” Singleton remarked. He emphasized their unwavering support during a difficult start to the season.
Singleton’s resilience paid off during a critical game against No. 2 Indiana on November 8. He capped a 10-play, 67-yard drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to tie the score. His performance improved, showing signs of the explosive player he was known to be. In the fourth quarter, with Penn State down 20-10, Singleton broke through the defense for a significant gain, coming just shy of a touchdown.
“This is who you are,” said Ethan Grunkemeyer, Penn State’s quarterback, after Singleton’s impressive run. The crowd at Beaver Stadium erupted as Singleton scored again, marking his second rushing touchdown of the game and the 41st of his career, placing him second on the program’s all-time list behind Saquon Barkley.
Looking Ahead
Singleton’s revival continued as he also caught a screen pass for a 19-yard touchdown on the next drive, completing a remarkable three-touchdown game. He finished the contest with 93 all-purpose yards. Following that performance, he rushed for 56 yards against Michigan State, highlighting a return to form.
“Just getting back to the drawing board. Taking it one day at a time,” Singleton stated after the game, reflecting his commitment to continuous improvement.
