Midweek Musings – RB1

With a top 10 showdown against the Oregon Ducks looming, I find myself asking a question: who is RB1 for the Nittany Lions?

For the last 3+ seasons, it’s been a 1A/1B situation with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

But it’s always been in that order: Nicholas then Kaytron.

This was largely due to the fact that Singleton had one of the more impressive freshman campaigns, running for 1,061 yards and 12 TDs, and being named the Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year in 2022. He was explosive, fast, and decisive, getting north-south with a quickness and blowing people away with his speed.

Allen, meanwhile, was steady Eddy. While Singleton was up-and-down from year to year, Kaytron was Mr. Consistent. His yards per carry was 5.2, 5.2, and 5.0 in 2022, 2023, and 2024. It was always felt that he didn’t have the high-end speed of Singleton, but had better vision, patience, and the ability to eke out an extra yard or two on every carry.

Funny enough, Kaytron actually had more carries in all three years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 he went for 167, 172, and 220 carries, while Singleton went for 156, 171, and 172. Note that this does not include receptions; Nicholas is still the bigger threat receiving the ball, and to me is what levels this playing field.

So far in 2025, Allen has been the more complete back. Through three games, Kaytron has carried the ball 34 times for 273 yards (8.0 YPC!) and 3 TDs. Singleton, meanwhile, has gotten it 41 times for 179 yards (4.4 YPC) and 5 TDs. Some of those carries for Singleton were goal line rushes for TDs, deflating his yardage, but making up a difference of 3.6 YPC is tough.

This is not to say that Nicholas should be back-burnered or anything like that. At their best, he is still the lightning to Kaytron’s thunder.

It’s just that right now, Allen is performing better. Whereas Singleton has been mentioned first in the 1A/1B combo, I think it’s time for Kaytron to get the nod. With the offensive line still gelling, Kaytron’s vision and elusiveness will help build early confidence for the linemen, which will help quarterback Drew Allar and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.

Teams will have to respect the run a little bit more, especially early in games, and when defenses start to stack the box to contain Allen, Allar and the receiving corps can open things up over top. In other words, complementary football. Bonus points for then bringing in Singleton when the defense is getting bedraggled and uncorking a 50 yard TD run at top speed.

But what say you? Should there be a subtle change in the RB1 moniker for Penn State? Or should the Lions continue their 1A/1B setup as they have since 2022?