Penn State football is looking to make a statement in 2025.
James Franklin told the media in Las Vegas on Wednesday that the expectations in Happy Valley are always to compete for and win a national championship.
It takes several elements to fully complete the puzzle, but Penn State has multiple pieces in place to make another run at the CFP crown.
On Tuesday, three Penn State players were named Big Ten honorees at Big Ten Football Media Days. Quarterback Drew Allar, running back Nick Singleton, and edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton are three of the 16 representatives from seven schools.
Ohio State matched Penn State – safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and linebacker Sonny Styles – with three representatives on the list.
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer is the only other quarterback.
Allar threw for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 16 games as a junior and looked significantly more comfortable in the pocket. He set career highs in completion percentage (66.5%) and quarterback rating (152.5).
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Allar finished 2024 with 30 total touchdowns, rushing for 202 yards and six touchdowns. In 39 career games in Happy Valley, Allar has scored 64 touchdowns compared to 10 picks.
Singleton, 21, rushed for 1,099 yards on 172 carries and found the end zone 12 times. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and caught five touchdowns, scoring 17 times on offense in 2024.
The 6-foot back from Shillington, PA, set career bests in receptions (41), yards (375) and receiving touchdowns (5).
Singleton and Kaytron Allen both ran for 1,000-yard seasons and decided to return to Penn State, rather than enter the NFL or pursue other opportunities. After 499 career carries, Singleton owns 2,912 yards, 32 touchdowns, and a 5.8 yards/carry over three seasons.
Dennis-Sutton recorded two sacks against Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal and finished the year with 8.5. In 16 games, Dennis-Sutton earned 42 tackles and 13 tackles for loss playing on the opposite side of No. 2 pick Abdul Carter.
All three players begin their senior years against Nevada at Beaver Stadium on August 30.
