James Franklin: Penn State ‘surprised’ to have Singleton and Allen back in 2025

Penn State football returns arguably the nation’s best backfield with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen back in Happy Valley this fall. A move that provided a significant boost to the Nittany Lions’ offensive expectations in 2025, getting both star running backs to use their final seasons of eligibility was not expected by many.

That includes those inside the Lasch Building.

“To be honest, I was surprised when they both came back,” James Franklin told Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram, and Rob Stone on last week’s episode of the Triple Option podcast. “I thought it would be similar to our tight end situation [before the 2024 season], where we had Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson, and once one decided to leave, the other stayed. I thought it would be similar. But I think they’ve bought into our philosophy here.”

Singleton, Allen prepare to lead the way for potentially lethal Penn State offense

Penn State football running backs Nicholas Singleton (10) and Kaytron Allen (13). Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In 2024, Singleton and Allen became the first set of teammates in Penn State football history to each rush for over 1,000 yards, making up just under half of the Nittany Lions’ offensive production. Over the last three years, the dynamic duo has combined for nearly 5,800 yards on the ground. 

“We kind of [chatted] a little bit [after the Orange Bowl loss],” Singleton said this spring of his and Allen’s decision-making process. “We tried to give each other space after the game; kind of deal with that. But then we came together, we decided we wanted to come back and finish our last year together and just go out and play.”

With quarterback Drew Allar also returning, a veteran line, and key transfer portal additions at wide receiver this offseason, Penn State is likely to field one of the top offensive attacks in the country this fall. 

“I think we got a tremendous opportunity to do some special things this year,” Franklin said. “I know you don’t want me to do this, but I am excited about our opportunity. I’m looking up on the screen right now, Nevada is our opening game. People are going to say, ‘Well, that’s not a big game.’ Well, lose to Nevada and find out quickly. We’re focused on that.

“But, I also am totally comfortable with talking about the things that we aspire to do as a team this year and as a season, and for these players. To me, that’s the biggest thing. I want these players to experience this. I want these players that have come back and made these sacrifices to be a part of something special. And that’s why I wake up very early. That’s why I go to sleep late at night, trying to put these players in the best position to be successful at it and have a very, very special season this year at Penn State.”

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