Not Leaving: Drew Allar, Nick Singleton have no plans to transfer from Penn State

It’s been a challenging year for Penn State football on offense. But finally in the regular season finale, the unit got the complete performance that it waited 12 games for. After sputtering in the second half of the year, the Nittany Lions put up nearly 600 yards of offense in Friday night’s 42-0 win over Michigan State. However, perhaps the more significant news for the program’s future came after the game. As speculation swirled about the future of several playmakers amid an offensive coordinator search, Drew Allar and Nick Singleton reaffirmed their commitment to James Franklin and the Nittany Lions. Both Penn State stars confirmed they will return to Happy Valley next year and will not seek the transfer portal.

Penn State offense has breakout performance against Michigan State

Penn State football finished the 2023 regular season on a high note Friday night in Detroit. The Nittany Lions put up 586 yards of offense in a 42-0 blowout of Michigan State at Ford Field.

After disappointing performances down the stretch, several of Penn State’s biggest stars got right against the Spartans. Returning from injury, QB Drew Allar lit up the Michigan State secondary, going 17-26 for 292 and 2 touchdowns in a little over 3 quarters of action.

After a frustrating sophomore season, Nittany Lions star RB Nick Singleton finally had his breakout performance. His first 100-yard game of the year, Singleton put up 118 yards on 18 carries and a score to go along with 2 catches for 68 yards through the air.

A unit that has struggled to find explosive plays all season had no issue finding them on Friday. Singleton and fellow RB Kaytron Allen combined for 5 rushes of over 10 yards on the night. Allen had a tremendous performance in his own right, leading Penn State football with 137 yards on the ground. 

Drew Allar, Nick Singleton reaffirm commitment to James Franklin, won’t see transfer portal

As sweet as Friday’s performance was for the Nittany Lions offense, one couldn’t help but wonder if it was the last dance for a talented unit that never really found its way. Penn State is in the middle of an offensive coordinator search after James Franklin fired Mike Yurcich two weeks ago. 

Given that Yurcich recruited many of Penn State’s young stars to Happy Valley and the underwhelming performance this season, speculation had started to build around the possibility of the transfer portal hitting the Nittany Lions offense hard this offseason. While that still isn’t out of the question, Drew Allar and Nick Singleton expressed their intentions to stay with the Penn State football program. 

“I’m committed,” Singleton said after the game. “I’m committed to the whole team next year. Coach Franklin, Coach Seider, the whole coaching staff. I’m telling ya, I’m not leaving. I’m staying here.”

Nick Singleton: “I’m committed. I’m committed to the whole team next year. Coach Franklin, Coach Seider, the whole coaching staff. I’m telling ya, I’m not leaving. I’m staying here.” pic.twitter.com/nW2HZ56zZ7

— Johnny McGonigal (@jmcgonigal9) November 25, 2023

Likewise, Allar also reaffirmed his commitment to James Franklin. “Coach Franklin is a huge influence in my life, not only on the field, but personally, and I’ve definitely grown a lot since I’ve stepped on campus,” he said. 

Penn State QB Drew Allar says he’s committed to the program going forward: “Coach Franklin is a huge influence in my life, not only on the field, but personally, and I've definitely grown a lot since I've stepped on campus.” pic.twitter.com/0XuKyT71ur

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 25, 2023

No longer in the Big Ten title hunt, Penn State football will await its bowl fate following conference championship weekend. Friday’s blowout should go far toward securing a second-straight New Year’s Six Bowl trip for the 10-2 Nittany Lions.

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