Over the final six games of the 2025 season, Penn State running back Kaytron Allen became the focal point of a beleaguered offense searching for an identity.
During that stretch, Allen rushed for 836 yards and averaged six yards per carry, helping cement his legacy as Penn State’s all-time leading rusher.
As Allen prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, he took time at the Senior Bowl to speak with Alan Saunders of Steelers Now about his mindset heading into the next phase of his career.
Penn State fans grew accustomed to Allen’s punishing running style, but the comparison he feels as a major influence to his game is former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell.
“He’s a great running back, man,” Allen said. “He’s different, man. He brought a different running style to the game. So I respect that, man, that he’s different,” Allen said.
Allen is a constant student of the game and approaches his development with humility.
“You’re never too good to learn,” Allen said. “You just got to always go out there and learn. I always can be better. There’s nothing that I can do that’s not to get better in my game. So I’m always looking for ways to get better. Look at pads, running backs, what they do great, and just always try to learn from somebody.”
Allen finished the 2025 season with 1,303 rushing yards, ranking 12th nationally.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His motivation during Penn State’s toughest moments continues to fuel him as he prepares for the unknown at the next level.
“Just playing football. Just trying to be great,” Allen said. “I’m the type of player who wants to be great, so I’ll do whatever it takes. If that means watching somebody else and molding my game after something they do well, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Football has always been central to Allen and his family, and his love for the game traces back to a childhood moment that initially left him in tears.
“I’ve got a funny story,” Allen said. “When I was four or five, I was playing football in the front yard and my big brother hit me pretty hard. I was crying, trying to go inside, but my uncle sent me back out there. Ever since then, I just fell in love with football. I got angry and started running the ball against my brother, and from that point on, I loved the game.”
Allen is especially close to his family and draws inspiration from making his mother proud. Seeing her cheer after his touchdowns remains a powerful motivator.
The next step will be a defining moment for Allen and his family. When his name is called on draft weekend, he says they will be among the first things on his mind.
