Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs against Nebraska during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
UNIVERSITY PARK — Imagine the trials and tribulations that Kaytron Allen has been through, not just in his career at Penn State but just this season alone.
He wasn’t nearly as heralded as Nicholas Singleton coming out of high school, and he was the No. 2 option behind Singleton for much of his career.
The backup job was eventually changed to a split of the workload between the two, and Allen finally got the brunt of the carries in recent weeks.
Both Allen and Singleton were stars in the Nittany Lions’ 37-10 victory over Nebraska in the home finale Saturday night at Beaver Stadium.
Singleton had his own highlight of tying Saquon Barkley’s career rushing touchdown record (53).
But Allen’s star shined brighter as he became the program’s all-time career rushing leader, surpassing Evan Royster’s 3,932 yards set from 2007-10.
“Tonight we witnessed greatness,” PSU coach Terry Smith said. “Penn State has been playing football for an awful long time. To be the No. 1 rusher in the history of this place is an impressive thing that he accomplished tonight.”
Allen had 160 rushing yards and now needs just 46 yards to cross the 4,000-yard mark for his career.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Allen said. “I’m glad I got the opportunity to do this, and I get to do it on senior night.”
It came in a season that has been tough on Allen and all of the Lions, who endured a six-game losing streak and the firing of head coach James Franklin.
In addition, Allen had two aunts pass away within a 24-hour period.
One of those aunts was a Nebraska supporter.
“I know she would have been here watching the game,” he said. “She probably would have had both jerseys on.”
Following Smith’s postgame press conference, the center of the podium that he speaks at is usually used by the starting quarterback and another selected star of the game.
Normally you would think that would go to Allen on a night such as Saturday.
Not this time.
PSU quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and Allen both sat off to the side as the entire starting offensive line of Drew Shelton, Vega Ioane, Nick Dawkins, Anthony Donkoh and Nolan Rucci took the podium. It’s the second week in a row they collectively chose to be interviewed together.
“They deserve it,” Allen said.
He’s right. It wasn’t just Allen getting in on the fun. Singleton rushed for 44 yards and two scores, the latter being the equalizer to Barkley.
They also blocked for Grunkemeyer very well as he was only sacked once on the night and wasn’t hurried.
It was almost like a throwback to your father’s Nittany Lions that rammed the ball down opponents’ throats on a weekly basis.
Smith has mentioned frequently that Allen and Singleton both need to touch the ball for the team to be successful.
They have with the two combining for over 200 rushing yards against the Cornhuskers, and the Lions only one more win away from being bowl-eligible.
“I’m going to get this team ready to go beat Rutgers next week,” Smith said.
The same formula of the last two weeks would be step No. 1. Keep feeding Allen and Singleton.
Andy Stine can be reached at astine@altoonamirror.com.
