Running back Nicholas Singleton has been a key piece to Penn State’s offense during its postseason run, which will continue in the national semifinals Thursday against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. But after the Nittany Lions’ playoff run, the junior running back will have an announcement to make: whether he declares for the 2025 NFL draft or returns to Penn State for his senior season.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Singleton said Saturday. “I’m still worried about finishing this season off the right way. We’ve got a chance to do something that we haven’t done in a while, compete for a national championship. So right now, I’m just focused on that, and at the end of the season I’ll make a decision.
Singleton, who has rushed for 1,015 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games this season, currently projects as a mid-round pick on early NFL draft boards. ESPN ranks as the fifth-best running back and 67th overall prospect, while CBS Sports lists Singleton as the fourth-best back and 75th overall prospect. Franklin addressed Singleton’s decision Saturday during a press conference ahead of the Orange Bowl.
“Obviously, we’d love him back, but if he decides to come out, we’ll fight like heck to get him drafted as high as possible,” Franklin said. “I know it’s really important for him to go play well in this game this week, to keep this season going and to keep this team together.”
Singleton has been a star at Penn State since his true freshman season, when he rushed for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns and averaged 6.8 yards per carry, still his most productive rushing season statistically. In his sophomore and junior seasons, Singleton developed into a reliable receiving option as well. He’s third on the team with 39 receptions this season, while his 342 receiving yards ranks fourth.
Quarterback Drew, who announced last month that he plans to return to Penn State for his senior season, said Franklin does a “great job” of giving players all the information they need to decide their futures. That includes his personal opinion and what scouts and other NFL personnel say.
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