Penn State lands five on All-Big Ten offensive teams
Penn State football’s shortcomings during the 2023 regular season were largely relegated to the offensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions managed one of the nation’s best scoring units. But, they struggled with consistency, especially in losses to Ohio State and Michigan.
They had the nation’s No. 14-ranked scoring outfit, posting 37.2 points per game. But, the Nittany Lions managed just 12 points against the Buckeyes and 15 points against the Wolverines.
And, the announcement of the Big Ten’s all-conference offensive teams on Wednesday afternoon was a reflection of those mixed results. Only five Nittany Lions were recognized on the first-, second-, and third-team groups. They were voted on by Big Ten coaches and its media covering the league.
Penn State lands one first-team selection
Leading the way, left tackle Olu Fashanu earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten status by both the conference coaches and the media. He was also named the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year.
“He’s outstanding. Great technique. Knows how to position his body. Blasts out with the arms, but good footwork as well. He’s so important to that offense,” said writer Pat Forde on the BTN. “The most polished offensive lineman in the country, for sure.”
Fashanu’s recognition was the only first-team nod on the offense, though. Instead, other picks were relegated to the second, third, and honorable mention teams.
Penn State’s other All-Big Ten picks
Second-team selections included running back Kaytron Allen and center Hunter Nourzad. Allen was picked by the conference coaches while Nourzad was the pick of both the Big Ten coaches and the media. Nourzad and Fashanu helped anchor an offensive line that finished the season ranked No. 20 nationally in sacks allowed, averaging just 1.25 per game.
They also were instrumental in paving the way for both Allen and Nick Singleton, who helped propel Penn State to the nation’s No. 26-ranked rushing offense at 186.7 yards per outing. Allen led the Nittany Lions in rushing for the regular season, carrying the ball 162 times for 851 yards and six touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions had two more third-team selections. Singleton backed up his third-team All-Big Ten performance from the 2022 season with another this year, as chosen by both the media and the coaches. He finished the season with 163 carries for 702 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry to go along with eight touchdowns. Singleton also boosted his repertoire in the passing game, finishing with 22 receptions for 222 yards and a score.
Tight end Tyler Warren closed out Penn State’s third-team picks following his productive fourth year as a Nittany Lion. He finished third on the team in receptions, making 29 for 295 yards and a team-high seven receiving touchdowns.
Honorable mention picks
Honorable mention selections were plentiful for Penn State, both by the conference coaches and media.
For the coaches, offensive linemen Caedan Wallace, JB Nelson, and Sal Wormley all earned nods. Tight end Theo Johnson, receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and quarterback Drew Allar were also recognized.
For the media, honorable mention selections included Wallace, Allar, Nelson, Lambert-Smith, Vega Ioane, Wormley, Johnson, and Warren.
