Penn State is the only program with three first-team All-Americans on CBS Sports’ preseason list.
Running back Nick Singleton, guard Olaivavega Ioane, and defensive tackle Zane Durant were named First-Team honorees entering the season.
Center Nick Dawkins earned a second-team designation.
Quarterback Drew Allar, edge Dani Dennis-Sutton, and safety Zakee Wheatley are key players who didn’t crack the selections.
Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior campaign and owns 2,912 career rushing yards.
It was surprising that both Singleton and Kaytron Allen decided to return to Penn State, announcing their decisions hours apart and in part to chase a national championship following a disappointing end to last season.
“Singleton is already rewriting the record books at Penn State, and he could finish with the school’s career rushing title this season,” CBS Sports writer Brandon Marcello said about PSU’s senior back.” Singleton this offseason surpassed Saquon Barkley’s freakish record in the weight room with a squat of 665 pounds, according to The Athletic’s annual Freaks List.
“He and Kaytron Allen form the most formidable duo in the game, and if Singleton can eclipse 1,020 yards this season, he’ll take Evan Royster’s Nittany Lions’ career rushing record.”
A 6-foot-4 redshirt junior who used his versatility moving around the line in different packages, Ioane was selected All-Big Ten second team by the coaches and media, plus Academic All-Big Ten honors.
“Ioane moved up to a full-time starting role last season and was a true monster — albeit a perhaps unsung one from a recognition perspective — across his 16 games at the left guard spot, where he led all Nittany Lions in offensive snaps,” CBS sports writer Carter Bahns said.
“The next great Penn State lineman got better in each of his first three years with the program and should skyrocket up mock drafts this fall.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.A former three-star recruit from Graham, Washington, Ioane will help anchor Penn State’s offensive line as one of four returning starters.
Durant is one of the Nittany Lions’ most underrated players and was the first to declare his return to Happy Valley after the College Football Playoff.
He recorded 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks on one of the best defenses in the country. Durant returns for his senior year with significantly more eyes on him.
“Durant probably doesn’t get enough recognition on the national scene, but he will this season. The bull and veteran defensive tackle leads the Penn State defense in the trenches after piling up 11 TFLs in the middle last season,” Marcello said. “Durant only picked up All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2024. That changes this year.”
Dawkins earned second-team status behind Florida’s Jake Slaughter.
He was named All-Big Ten honorable mention and earned the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, given to the player who best combines community service and leadership in the community.
Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was the only unanimous selection.
Penn State hosts Nevada on Saturday, August 30.
