Penn State running back Kaytron Allen named co-Big Ten, solo Shrine Bowl offensive player of the week

Penn State running back Kaytron Allen is receiving more recognition for his big performance against Nebraska last Saturday at Beaver Stadium. The senior is both the Big Ten’s and Shrine Bowl’s offensive player of the week after rushing 25 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Along the way, he also became the Nittany Lions’ all-time leading rusher, passing Evan Royster.

“Tonight, we witnessed greatness from Kaytron Allen,” Smith said after beating the Cornhuskers 37-10. “Penn State’s been playing football for an awful long time and to be the number one rusher in the history of this place is an impressive thing that he accomplished tonight, and what makes it even more impressive is that he is a guy that had to share carries for four years. And to break the record tonight, hats off to him.”

Added Allen:

“I’m still just trying to wrap my head around it and I’ve just been trying to take it one game at a time. Unfortunately, the season hasn’t gone as planned. If we could have been winning the whole season and not get the record, I’d rather do that than get my record, but I’m just glad I got an opportunity to do this. I’m just grateful for my team.”

More: From 0–6 skid to bowl hunt: Penn State eyes win over Rutgers for postseason berth

Allen, who split this week’s conference honor with Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone, now has 188 times for 1,077 yards and 14 touchdowns. That second number is the 12th biggest in the country. And, the last one ranks seventh.

“He’s been through a lot in his personal life this year, ” Lions center Nick Dawkins said. “He’s been through a lot of trials and tribulations, and he’s worked his tail off and just led by example and really contributed everything emotionally and physically to this team. So, you know, we’re just so proud of him. We wanted to get this done for him.”

Penn State closes out the 2025 season at Rutgers on Saturday. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET. Big Ten Network will televise the game. Both teams will be fighting for a spot in the postseason. While Allen already has his records (he also is the all-time rushing attempts leader), teammate Nick Singleton needs one rushing touchdown to break a tie with Saquon Barkley for the most career rushing and total touchdowns. They each have 53 before the weekend.