Penn State enters the 2025 season with a veteran nucleus that is having their “last dance.”
In this series, we’ll examine the current state of specific position groups and identify who looks like the next ones, who needs to step up, who’s in the pipeline in recruiting, and attempt to forecast the potential usage of the transfer portal.
In the first part of the series, the quarterback room was examined. You can read it HERE.
In the second part of the series, the stable of running backs are gauged beyond seniors Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Nicholas Singleton
Current Starters: Singleton and Allen
One of the biggest factors in Penn State’s current renaissance has been this dynamic duo.
As James Franklin has enjoyed stability at quarterback, the running back position has been dominated by Singleton and Allen the last three seasons.
Prior to their arrival, Penn State finished 118th in rushing in 2021 at 107.8 yards per game.
During the last three seasons, Singleton and Allen have combined for 6,979 yards from scrimmage (5,789 rushing), averaging nearly six yards per touch and scoring 68 touchdowns.
Both are poised to set the school record for most career rushing yards held by Evan Royster.
Potential Successors: Cam Wallace, Quinton Martin, Corey Smith
Last, Wallace was beginning to cement himself as the RB3 before a long-term injury against Kent State ended those hopes.
It didn’t help matters that when Singleton was dealing with hamstring issues, Wallace missed an opportunity to assert himself beyond the Singleton/Allen era.
Neither Smith or Martin had a big sample size, although Smith averaged nearly seven yards per carry that is somewhat inflated by his 78-yard run against Washington.
At Tuesday’s practice, which was the final open practice of preseason camp, Wallace was running amongst the starters and second string, while Smith and Martin were amongst the reserves.
Wallace seemed to demonstrate the same explosiveness he did a season ago prior to his injury.
It will be interesting to see during Penn State’s first three games beyond the assumed top 3 of Singleton, Allen, and Wallace what reps are given to Smith and Martin.
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Messiah Mickens
Committed Pipeline: Messiah Mickens
The first commit in the Class of 2026, Mickens has been a top priority to retain for Penn State.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Former running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider has continued to pursue Mickens at Notre Dame. Seider was the primary recruiter of Mickens at Penn State.
As the lone running back commit commit in the Class of 2026, Mickens is a critical piece when you begin to forecast long-term for Penn State.
Mickens is rated No. 14 overall running back in the Class of 2026 by both On3 and 247Sports.
What makes Mickens a coveted recruit is his frame. Many feel he can push 215-220 pounds while maintaining his elusive speed being timed 4.3 seconds in the short shuttle.
A plus is Mickens has developed an eye to identify the proper gap to run through and has been more of a between the tackles runner at Harrisburg.
Mickens’ evolution in his game to get to the outside and exploit defenses in space and create mismatches with his elusiveness and speed only seems to be improving, becoming borderline elite.
Photo courtesy of Kemon Spell
Recruiting Targets
The prioritization of maintaining a top running back commitment continues into the Class of 2027. Penn State will look to hold onto McKeesport’s Kemon Spell.
Spell is already seen as a five-star running back and is seen as the top running back prospect in the Class of 2027.
Back in May, Spell said he was locked in with his Penn State commitment, but recently said he would be taking visits across the country this fall, bringing uneasiness.
Exclusive: Kemon Spell ‘1,000% Locked In’ With Penn State Despite Ohio State Offer
If Spell would de-commit, Penn State would be scrambling to find the pieces in that recruiting cycle.
The No. 2 running back in Pennsylvania and No. 14 overall in the nation, West Mifflin’s (West Mifflin, PA) Armand Hill has committed to WVU.
While Penn State has offers out to five other Top 10 running backs in the cycle, the one that would make the most sense if they pursued Canisius (Buffalo, New York) Elijah Kimble.
Kimble is the top prospect in the state of New York and rated 10th nationally, Penn State would have a battle with Big Ten foes Ohio State and Michigan, who are seen as the early leaders for Kimble’s services.
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin
Portal Forecast:
With the running back group the strongest it has been in the Franklin era, it reminds me of how Alabama was under Nick Saban.
Alabama prioritized elite athletes at running back and had a good rotation of three they would send at opposing defenses. Penn State is in that same position.
With Wallace most likely assuming the RB3 role, he’ll be a prohibitive favorite as RB1 going into 2026.
The fears always when you have a deep room that someone may leave, but for Penn State the only scenario I see them dipping into the portal may be for a veteran back if Smith or Martin don’t distinguish themselves during 2025 or in the preseason of 2026.
