Nicholas Singleton Scouting Report: Penn State RB | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect

Jun 18
7 min read

Name: Nicholas Singleton

Position: Running Back

School: Penn State University

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 227 lbs

Class: Senior (2025 season)

Hometown: Shillington, PA

High School: Governor Mifflin High School

Recruiting Rank: 5-star recruit, #1 RB nationally, #31 overall (2022, 247Sports)

Draft Range Summary

Projections for the 2026 NFL Draft place Singleton as a mid-to-late second-round to early third-round prospect, reflecting his explosive athleticism and three-down potential, though consistency and vision refinement are needed to elevate his stock.

• PFF: 2nd round, No. 45 overall, RB3 (May 2025)

• Pro Football Network: 2nd round, No. 50 overall, RB4 (May 2025)

• NFL.com: 3rd round, RB5 (Jan 2025)

• ESPN: 2nd round, No. 60 overall, RB3 (May 2025)

• CBS Sports: 2nd round, RB2 (May 2025)

• The 33rd Team: 3rd round, No. 75 overall, RB4 (Mar 2025)

Combine Data/Unofficial Times: No official NFL Combine data available (as of June 15, 2025). Per NFL Draft Buzz, Singleton ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, hit 23.6 mph on GPS, and recorded a 655-pound squat, breaking Saquon Barkley’s Penn State RB record. High school stats include 6,326 rushing yards and 116 TDs, with 2,059 yards and 44 TDs as a senior (2021, 247Sports).

Career Background

Nicholas Singleton, a five-star recruit from Governor Mifflin High School, set Berks County records with 6,326 rushing yards and 116 touchdowns, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in 2021. A highly sought-after prospect, he chose Penn State over Alabama, USC, and Ohio State, among others. As a true freshman in 2022, Singleton started eight games, rushing for 1,061 yards and 12 TDs, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year. His sophomore year saw a dip in rushing efficiency but growth as a receiver (26 catches, 308 yards), and in 2024, he rebounded with 1,099 yards and 12 TDs, forming a historic 1,000-yard duo with Kaytron Allen.

Singleton announced his return for 2025, aiming to boost his draft stock and help Penn State pursue a National Championship under coach James Franklin. With a favorable Big Ten schedule and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s scheme, Singleton is poised to showcase his three-down skill set, leveraging weapons like Drew Allar and a stout offensive line.

Career Stats (Through 2024 Season, PFF Data)

• 2022 (True Freshman, Penn State): 156 carries, 1,057 yards (6.8 YPC), 12 TDs; 11 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD; 34 missed tackles forced; 14 KR, 349 yards, 1 TD (PFF 2022)

• 2023 (Sophomore, Penn State): 171 carries, 753 yards (4.4 YPC), 8 TDs; 26 receptions, 308 yards, 2 TDs; 23 missed tackles forced; 12 KR, 297 yards (PFF 2023)

• 2024 (Junior, Penn State): 174 carries, 1,106 yards (6.4 YPC), 12 TDs; 41 receptions, 375 yards, 3 TDs; 33 missed tackles forced (PFF 2024)

• Career Totals (3 Seasons): 501 carries, 2,916 yards (5.8 YPC), 32 TDs; 78 receptions, 768 yards, 6 TDs; 90 missed tackles forced; 26 KR, 646 yards, 1 TD

Advanced Stats (2024, PFF 2024):

• PFF Rushing Grade: 79.3 (top-30 FBS)

• PFF Receiving Grade: 85.0 (top-10 RB)

• Yards After Contact: 616 (55.7% of total, top-25 FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles: 33 (top-40 FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles per Attempt: 0.190 (33 missed tackles / 174 carries), ranked 36th among FBS RBs with 100+ carries

• Breakaway Run %: 10.3% (18 runs of 15+ yards, top-10 RB)

• Fumble Rate: 0.6% (1 fumble, 174 carries), below median (~1.0%)

• Pass-Block Grade: 78.2 (top-5 RB)

• Drop Rate: 7.7% (4 drops, 52 targets), above median (~5.0%)

Awards and Accolades

• High School:

• Gatorade National Player of the Year (2021)

• Maxwell Football Club National Offensive Player of the Year (2021)

• First-team All-Berks County (2018–2021)

• College:

• Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2022)

• Three-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2022–2024)

• PFF Preseason All-Big Ten (2025)

Character and Leadership

Singleton’s journey from a small-town Pennsylvania star to a Penn State standout reflects resilience and humility. A team captain at Governor Mifflin, he earned coaches’ praise for his work ethic and leadership, guiding Penn State’s backfield through a platoon system with Kaytron Allen. His decision to return for 2025, prioritizing team goals and graduation, showcases maturity. No off-field issues reported, with X posts highlighting his community involvement in Shillington youth camps. His low mileage (499 carries) enhances his NFL durability outlook.

Injuries

Singleton missed one game in 2024 (UCLA) due to a minor ankle tweak but played all 13 games otherwise, per The Athletic. His 6’0”, 227-pound frame and 655-pound squat suggest elite durability, but a 1.7% fumble rate (3 fumbles in 2024) raises ball-security concerns. Maintaining health in 2025’s physical Big Ten slate is critical, especially with Penn State’s up-tempo offense.

Play Style

Singleton is an explosive, three-down back blending track speed (4.39 40) and power (655-pound squat), thriving in Penn State’s gap and pin/pull schemes. His burst (23.6 mph GPS) and contact balance (698 yards after contact) generate big plays (7.0% breakaway rate), while his 41 receptions in 2024 highlight receiving prowess. He excels downhill with squared shoulders, lowering his pads to finish runs (45 forced missed tackles), but lacks elite lateral agility, limiting one-on-one elusiveness.

His pass-blocking (78.2 PFF grade) and kick-return experience (24.9 YPR) add versatility, though vision inconsistencies (missing cutback lanes) and hip tightness (average jump cuts) require refinement. Improved patience in 2024 (6.4 YPC vs. 4.4 in 2023) shows growth, but hesitation under pressure can stall runs. Singleton’s low mileage (499 carries) and explosive traits make him a home-run threat, but consistency is key to RB1 status.

Strengths

1. Explosiveness: Elite burst and speed (4.39 40, 23.6 mph), 7.0% breakaway rate.

2. Three-Down Versatility: 78 receptions, 768 yards; 78.2 pass-block grade.

3. Contact Balance: 698 yards after contact, 45 forced missed tackles.

4. Durability: Low mileage (499 carries), 227-pound frame.

5. Special Teams Value: 646 KR yards, 24.9 YPR, 1 TD.

Weaknesses

1. Vision: Misses cutback lanes, occasional hesitation (PFF 2024).

2. Elusiveness: Limited lateral agility, lacks one-on-one creativity.

3. Ball Security: 1.7% fumble rate, 3 fumbles in 2024.

4. Route Running: Basic route tree, needs nuance vs. NFL LBs.

5. Big-Game Consistency: 3 TDs in CFP semifinal but uneven against top defenses (Ohio State, 48 yards).

Limitations

Singleton’s vision lapses and limited elusiveness (average jump cuts) restrict his fit in pure zone schemes, favoring gap or pin/pull concepts. His 1.7% fumble rate raises concerns against NFL defenders, and his basic route tree limits immediate passing-game impact. With only 499 career carries, he lacks the volume resume of elite RB prospects, and his 4.4 YPC dip in 2023 suggests consistency issues. A breakout 2025 is critical to cement Day 2 status, particularly in big games against Michigan and Ohio State.

College Scheme Experience

Singleton has operated in Penn State’s hybrid spread offense, which evolved under offensive coordinators Mike Yurcich (2022–2023) and Andy Kotelnicki (2024–present), emphasizing a balanced attack (55% 11 personnel, 52% run rate) with gap-heavy run concepts (60% of runs), play-action (25% of dropbacks), and moderate tempo (1.8 plays/minute), per PFF 2024. The scheme leverages Singleton’s explosiveness (6.4 YPC, 7.0% breakaway rate) and power (655-pound squat) in pin/pull and inside zone runs, as seen in a 67-yard TD vs. Washington, where he exploited a pulling guard’s block, per ESPN. His 41 receptions in 2024 reflect the system’s increased use of running backs in the passing game (15% of targets), particularly on checkdowns and swing routes, boosting his three-down profile (78.2 pass-block grade).

Under Yurcich (2022–2023), the offense relied on duo and power runs (65% of carries), aligning with Singleton’s downhill style (6.8 YPC in 2022) but exposing his vision lapses in zone concepts (4.4 YPC in 2023), per Sports Reference. Kotelnicki’s 2024 system introduced more RPOs (12% of plays) and motion (40% of snaps), creating space for Singleton’s burst (23.6 mph GPS) and contact balance (698 yards after contact). However, the scheme’s platoon approach with Kaytron Allen (172 vs. 165 carries) limits his volume, and its reliance on gap schemes highlights his average lateral agility (0.26 forced missed tackles per attempt). In 2025, Kotelnicki’s scheme, with returning quarterback Drew Allar and receivers like Julian Fleming, will continue to emphasize Singleton’s versatility, potentially increasing his receiving role, per Black Shoe Diaries.

Player Comparison

Comparison: David Johnson (6’1”, 224 lbs). Johnson’s blend of speed (4.50 40), power (600-pound squat), and receiving (80 catches, 2016) mirrors Singleton’s 4.39 40, 655-pound squat, and 78 career receptions. Both excel in gap schemes with home-run ability (7.0% breakaway rate for Singleton), though Johnson’s superior vision outpaces Singleton’s current instincts. Singleton’s 2024 tape reflects Johnson’s 2015 Cardinals role, balancing explosiveness with developmental needs in elusiveness.

Off-Field Considerations

Singleton’s five-star pedigree and humble roots highlight a grounded character, per daftondraft.football. His leadership in Penn State’s backfield and decision to return for 2025 reflect team-first mentality and academic goals (graduation in 2025). No off-field issues reported, with X posts praising his Shillington community work. Penn State’s 2.4% drop rate (2024) aided his receiving stats, and Kotelnicki’s 2025 scheme should amplify his production.

Draft Outlook and Recommendations

Nicholas Singleton’s explosive athleticism, three-down versatility, and low mileage position him as a high-upside 2026 NFL Draft prospect with RB1 potential. His 2024 rebound (1,099 yards, 6.4 YPC) and 2025 return to Penn State offer a platform to refine vision and ball security, critical for a second-round selection. Under Andy Kotelnicki, Singleton must dominate Big Ten defenses and shine in marquee games to challenge for RB1 status, per CBS Sports. A 1,300-yard, 15-TD 2025 could push him into the late first round, while stagnation risks a third-round slide.

• Personal Draft Recommendation: 3rd

Round (2026). Singleton’s speed, power, and receiving make him a three-down starter, but vision and fumble issues need 2025 improvement to secure a Day 2 pick. Staying at Penn State is wise, with such a strong draft class last season, though had Singleton declared, he would have been in the running as one of the top running backs drafted.

Final Evaluation

Nicholas Singleton’s elite explosiveness, three-down skill set, and low mileage make him a compelling 2026 NFL Draft prospect with a high ceiling. His 2024 performance and 2025 return to Penn State provide a chance to address vision and elusiveness, critical for a late 2nd–early 3rd round selection. In a gap-heavy NFL scheme, Singleton’s play evokes David Johnson’s dynamic upside, positioning him as a potential feature back with targeted development.

Sources

• PFF 2024 RB Stats

• PFF 2023 RB Stats

• Sports Reference

• Bleacher Report

• ESPN

• NFL Draft Buzz

• Pro Football Network

• The 33rd Team

• NFL.com

• CBS Sports

• The Athletic