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In the arms race of college football, the best teams in the country combine both depth and star power. Alabama had four top-15 picks at wide receiver in 2019. Just last season, Ohio State won the championship with two second-round running backs.
Penn State is hoping to follow the Buckeyes' footsteps. With a tandem of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield, the Nittany Lions boasted a run-heavy offense capable of competing in the College Football Playoff.
That same pairing has eyes on another deep playoff run in 2025. In doing so, they'll continue making the case to be top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both backs saw plenty of work in 2024
Unlike the traditional early-down/passing-down committees around the sport, Penn State's backs were nearly interchangeable on the ground.
Allen, playing in one more game than Singleton, posted 220 carries for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Singleton took fewer carries (172) for 1,099 yards and 12 scores, offering better efficiency. Singleton was also used as a receiver more often, hauling in 41 passes to Allen's 18.
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Despite getting significant playing time in zone and gap schemes, both did their best work on inside zone. They took different paths to success, with Allen winning with his footwork and Singleton showcasing good vision and patience.
Neither back has exceptional long speed, limiting their big-play ability. Singleton's speed is above-average, but Allen's longest run went for just 32 yards in 2024.
Singleton is favored to come off the board first
Both backs have a shot to go on Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite a lighter workload, Singleton will enter the year with higher expectations and a better chance of hearing his name called in Round 1.
At 6'0" and 220 pounds, Singleton's frame is closer to the prototype for the position. Allen (5'10", 217) is smaller and slower than his partner in crime, and it shows. Both offer promising contact balance, but Singleton accesses his power better.
It's easier to trust his blend of vision and footwork, and if he can prove himself as a more distinguished third-down back, Singleton could be a late first-round pick.
Meanwhile, Allen currently looks like a late-Day 2/early-Day 3 selection. He's proven he can take on a heavy workload. His power keeps him afloat, and he's explosive enough to find backside cuts for positive yards. However, without the burst to break off big plays or the passing-down chops to keep him on the field, drafting Allen early means hoping he can lead a committee, and he hasn't been efficient enough to justify that kind of draft capital.
As Singleton hopes to propel himself into the first-round conversation, Allen will be trying to play catch-up. Leading a Penn State backfield destined for another playoff run, there will be no shortage of opportunities for him to perform against elite competition.
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