Latest news with #KaytronAllen
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kaytron Allen poised for big 2025 season after strong postseason showing in 2024
Running back Kaytron Allen has been one of the most consistent weapons in Penn State's arsenal over the last three seasons, averaging over 1,000 all-purpose yards per year. After foregoing the 2025 NFL draft to return for his senior season, Allen and Nick Singleton form one of the best running back duos in the country. With another year of development under new running backs coach Stan Drayton, Allen may be able to increase his production before heading to the pros. Here's a look at Allen heading into the 2025 season with the Nittany Lions. 2024 in review Though his 2023 campaign fell short of expectations, Allen bounced back last year with over 1,100 rushing yards on 5.0 yards per carry, adding eight rushing touchdowns. He battled injuries throughout the middle of the season and was less than 100% for several games, but Allen peaked during Penn State's postseason run with 124 yards against Oregon in the Big Ten championship, 70 yards on just 11 carries against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff, 134 yards against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and 82 yards against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Biggest question in 2025 The biggest question entering 2025 is whether Allen can stay healthy for a full season. His physical play style and penchant for violence cause wear and tear that leaves him at less than 100%. If Penn State can keep him healthy and reduce his workload in blowouts, Allen is likely to perform better against top competition. 2025 will be a success if… This season will be a success if Allen can generate more explosive plays. His longest run in 2024 was just 32 yards, and his yards per carry dropped slightly from his first two seasons. For Allen to truly take the next step in his development, more chunk plays could lead to a career-high in rushing yards in 2025. 2025 will be a disappointment if… If Penn State's wide receivers aren't able to demonstrate a credible vertical threat, Allen may struggle against loaded boxes. If the Nittany Lions' passing game is unable to take the attention of Allen, it'll be hard for him to find much success as he relies on running through defenders rather than around them. Realistic outlook for 2025 Based on Allen's steady output over the past three seasons, another 1,000-yard campaign seems likely, particularly if Penn State enjoys a deep postseason run. Without Tyler Warren competing for red-zone targets, Allen could see his touchdown total reach double digits. Sustaining his postseason form into the regular season would solidify his status as one of the nation's elite running backs. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Kaytron Allen primed for another 1,000-yard season
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where did Ohio State land in the Cleveland.com preseason Big Ten football media poll?
Big Ten football media days officially kick off Tuesday in Las Vegas. And while other conferences conduct an official media poll to pick the preseason order of finish, the Big Ten scrapped that years ago. But never fear, the preseason prognostications have been kept alive thanks to other media outlets, most notably which has now spearheaded a poll for 15 years. The results were as close as any I can remember in recent years, but after 25 media members were polled from around the conference, Penn State was picked to win the Big Ten championship with 11 first-place votes. As we mentioned, it was close, though, with Ohio State finishing second, just one first-place vote behind the Nittany Lions and with total poll points totaling 435 to 431. Penn State has gotten a lot of preseason buzz this season, mainly because it returns a lot of veteran players at key positions, including Drew Allar at quarterback and the tandem of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton at running back, both of whom eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2024. The defense should also be a very good one with key skill returning and now under the guidance of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. If Penn State can pull it off, it'll be the first time it has taken home the Big Ten title since 2016. Oregon -- last year's conference champion -- was picked to finish third, followed by Illinois (4), and Michigan (5). The Ducks got three first-place votes, and the Wolverines got one (no truth to the rumor that it was Connor Stalions). The Illini didn't receive a first-place vote. Here's a look at the entire preseason Big Ten order of finish predictions from the poll: Rank Team (1st place) Points Average Rank No. 1 Penn State (11) 435 1.60 No. 2 Ohio State (10) 431 1.76 No. 3 Oregon (2) 405 2.80 No. 4 Illinois 353 4.88 No. 5 Michigan (1) 346 5.16 No. 6 Indiana 305 680 No. 7 Iowa 287 7.52 No. 8 Nebraska 277 7.92 No. 9 USC 269 8.24 No. 10 Washington 216 10.36 No. 11 Minnesota 192 11.32 No. 12 Wisconsin 159 12.60 No. 13 Michigan State 135 13.60 No. 13 Rutgers 135 13.60 No. 15 UCLA 134 13.64 No. 16 Maryland 91 15.36 No. 17 Northwestern 65 16.40 No. 18 Purdue 39 17.44 We'll have coverage of Big Ten media days when things get rolling on Tuesday and through the rest of the week. It's about to get a lot of fun, and there are only a few weeks before we get to buckle up on this ride called college football season again. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X. This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Where Ohio State fell in preseason Big Ten football poll
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where did Ohio State land in the Cleveland.com preseason Big Ten football media poll?
Big Ten football media days officially kick off Tuesday in Las Vegas. And while other conferences conduct an official media poll to pick the preseason order of finish, the Big Ten scrapped that years ago. But never fear, the preseason prognostications have been kept alive thanks to other media outlets, most notably which has now spearheaded a poll for 15 years. The results were as close as any I can remember in recent years, but after 25 media members were polled from around the conference, Penn State was picked to win the Big Ten championship with 11 first-place votes. As we mentioned, it was close, though, with Ohio State finishing second, just one first-place vote behind the Nittany Lions and with total poll points totaling 435 to 431. Penn State has gotten a lot of preseason buzz this season, mainly because it returns a lot of veteran players at key positions, including Drew Allar at quarterback and the tandem of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton at running back, both of whom eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2024. The defense should also be a very good one with key skill returning and now under the guidance of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. If Penn State can pull it off, it'll be the first time it has taken home the Big Ten title since 2016. Oregon -- last year's conference champion -- was picked to finish third, followed by Illinois (4), and Michigan (5). The Ducks got three first-place votes, and the Wolverines got one (no truth to the rumor that it was Connor Stalions). The Illini didn't receive a first-place vote. Here's a look at the entire preseason Big Ten order of finish predictions from the poll: We'll have coverage of Big Ten media days when things get rolling on Tuesday and through the rest of the week. It's about to get a lot of fun, and there are only a few weeks before we get to buckle up on this ride called college football season again. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kaytron Allen poised for big 2025 season after strong postseason showing in 2024
Running back Kaytron Allen has been one of the most consistent weapons in Penn State's arsenal over the last three seasons, averaging over 1,000 all-purpose yards per year. After foregoing the 2025 NFL draft to return for his senior season, Allen and Nick Singleton form one of the best running back duos in the country. With another year of development under new running backs coach Stan Drayton, Allen may be able to increase his production before heading to the pros. Here's a look at Allen heading into the 2025 season with the Nittany Lions. 2024 in review Though his 2023 campaign fell short of expectations, Allen bounced back last year with over 1,100 rushing yards on 5.0 yards per carry, adding eight rushing touchdowns. He battled injuries throughout the middle of the season and was less than 100% for several games, but Allen peaked during Penn State's postseason run with 124 yards against Oregon in the Big Ten championship, 70 yards on just 11 carries against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff, 134 yards against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and 82 yards against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Biggest question in 2025 The biggest question entering 2025 is whether Allen can stay healthy for a full season. His physical play style and penchant for violence cause wear and tear that leaves him at less than 100%. If Penn State can keep him healthy and reduce his workload in blowouts, Allen is likely to perform better against top competition. 2025 will be a success if… This season will be a success if Allen can generate more explosive plays. His longest run in 2024 was just 32 yards, and his yards per carry dropped slightly from his first two seasons. For Allen to truly take the next step in his development, more chunk plays could lead to a career-high in rushing yards in 2025. 2025 will be a disappointment if… If Penn State's wide receivers aren't able to demonstrate a credible vertical threat, Allen may struggle against loaded boxes. If the Nittany Lions' passing game is unable to take the attention of Allen, it'll be hard for him to find much success as he relies on running through defenders rather than around them. Realistic outlook for 2025 Based on Allen's steady output over the past three seasons, another 1,000-yard campaign seems likely, particularly if Penn State enjoys a deep postseason run. Without Tyler Warren competing for red-zone targets, Allen could see his touchdown total reach double digits. Sustaining his postseason form into the regular season would solidify his status as one of the nation's elite running backs. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penn State Makes Drew Allar Announcement on Friday
Penn State Makes Drew Allar Announcement on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Penn State Nittany Lions capped off their 2024 campaign with a stellar season, finishing second in the Big Ten behind the Oregon Ducks and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Advertisement After notching wins over SMU and Boise State, the Nittany Lions reached the semifinals, where they suffered a heartbreaking 27–24 loss to Notre Dame—who ultimately fell to Ohio State in the national championship. Shortly into the offseason, Penn State received a major boost when it was announced that both 1,000-yard rushers, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, would return—alongside star quarterback Drew Allar. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Allar currently holds the fifth-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy. Now entering his fourth season in State College, Allar received another honor on Friday as Penn State announced he's been named a Phil Steele Preseason All-American—joining several of his teammates on the prestigious list. Over his three seasons with the Nittany Lions, Drew Allar has completed 62.9% of his passes for 6,302 yards, 53 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, while maintaining a 144.0 passer rating. Advertisement One of the biggest flaws in Penn State's offense last season was a lack of consistent production from the wide receiver position. Much of their offensive output came from their dynamic running back duo and standout tight end Tyler Warren, who was later selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Prather-Imagn To address that need, head coach James Franklin turned to the transfer portal and added key reinforcements at wide receiver: Kyron Hudson from USC, Devonte Ross from Troy, and Trebor Pena from Syracuse—who played in one of the most explosive offenses in college football last season. Franklin emphasized the need for Allar to 'take another step' this season—something the quarterback has managed to do each year of his collegiate career. Advertisement The thing that's exciting about Drew, he may be 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, but he has a lot of growth and development," Franklin said. "He's a young kid. He has taken significant steps every single year." Related: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast: James Franklin's recruiting tactics and impact at Penn State This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
