Penn State running back room receives more praise as nation's best at the position: Newsstand

Penn State news, notes, and updates for June 11 include national position rankings with good news for the Nittany Lions and more.

A year ago at this time, there were questions about where the program’s ball carriers should rank nationally. This year, there is no confusion. Multiple media outlets, including Phil Steele’s preseason magazine, have said this spring that new running backs coach Stan Drayton oversees the country’s best room at that position. CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli is the latest to join the chorus. He put a group led by seniors Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen at No. 1 in his latest preseason positional rankings.

“Last year, I listed Penn State as an Honorable Mention and received plenty of heat for it,” Fornelli writes. “Consider this an apology of sorts to Nittany Lions fans. Both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen eclipsed 1,000 yards last season, leading Penn State on a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

“Both had the chance to leave for the NFL following the season but opted to return to make another run at a Big Ten and national title with the Nittany Lions. Their presence is one of the primary reasons so many are high on Penn State entering the season.”

Notre Dame, led by star running back Jeremiyah Love, is No. 2, with Big Ten foe Oregon checking in at No. 3.

The Lions’ running backs will be the focal point in Andy Kotelnicki’s second offense in State College. Penn State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Nevada. A look at the Wolfpack is included in the headlines of the day section below.

Headlines of the day

Penn State leads Phil Steele’s 2025 top 40; how many preseason All-Americans does it have?: Pickel, BWI

Simmons Scoop: Big programs made big moves over the weekend: On3

What is the bout order at Final X? Here’s when Penn State, NLWC wrestlers will be on the mat: Pickel, BWI

Nevada Football Preview 2025: The Wolf Pack Are Close to Good Again: Fiutak, College Football News

Penn State official visit ‘exceeded expectations’ for four-star WR Travis Johnson: Snyder, BWI

Quote of the day

“I think internally, within our program, I think there’s a lot of confidence that Fish has got a chance to have a big year. He’s like one of those guys that I don’t think anybody’s talking about right now, outside of the program, based on just not seeing him recently. But there’s a lot of excitement internally, with our players, with our staff. I think those things are really apparent.”

PSU coach James Franklin on DE Zuriah Fisher.