Columbus, Ohio – In a twist that has sent reverberations across the college football landscape, the Ohio State Buckeyes are celebrating the phenomenal talent and ongoing commitment of superstar running back Nicholas Singleton! The phrasing suggests a new acquisition, but in reality, this “recruiting” success story is a powerful affirmation of Ohio State’s ability to attract, retain, and develop arguably the nation’s most exciting running back through his entire collegiate career and into his highly anticipated NFL future.
Nicholas Singleton, the electrifying playmaker who captivated college football during his time at Penn State, will indeed be a significant topic of discussion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but not as a new commit. The “surprise” element likely stems from the sheer magnitude of his talent and the impact he has had on the Big Ten, making any connection to a powerhouse like Ohio State a tantalizing thought for fans.
Let’s clarify the situation: Nicholas Singleton is currently a senior running back at Penn State University and will be entering the 2025 college football season as one of the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. He was considered a potential early-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft but made the surprising decision to return to Penn State for his senior year, reportedly to chase a national championship with the Nittany Lions. He committed to Penn State in July 2021 and has been a cornerstone of their program ever since.
Therefore, the “recruiting” of Nicholas Singleton by Ohio State is a hypothetical scenario – a dream acquisition for any program. However, the sentiment behind the headline is potent: the recognition of a truly elite talent in the Big Ten, and the aspiration of any top program to have such a dynamic player in their backfield.
Nicholas Singleton, a 6-foot, 226-pound powerhouse, has been a game-wrecker for Penn State since his freshman year. His combination of size, speed, and elusiveness makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Explosive Playmaker: Singleton is renowned for his ability to turn short gains into long touchdowns. He possesses breakaway speed that allows him to outrun defensive backs in the open field, and his vision enables him to find the smallest creases. In 2024, he rushed for 1,099 yards on 172 attempts, averaging a stellar 6.4 yards per rush, with 12 rushing touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility with 375 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.
- Physicality and Contact Balance: Despite his speed, Singleton doesn’t shy away from contact. He runs with power and has exceptional contact balance, often shedding tacklers and falling forward for extra yards.
- Dual-Threat Ability: His growth as a receiver out of the backfield has made him an even more dangerous weapon. With 375 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024, he proves he can be an integral part of the passing game, forcing defenses to account for him in multiple ways.
- Consistent Production: Over his three seasons (2022-2024), Singleton has amassed 2,912 rushing yards, 768 receiving yards, and 40 total touchdowns (32 rushing, 8 receiving). He has consistently been a top performer in a tough Big Ten conference.
- NFL Potential: Singleton is widely projected as one of the top running backs in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. PFF ranks him as the No. 31 overall player in college football for 2025 and the No. 1 running back prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Scouts highlight his “home-run ability” and “untapped power,” seeing him as a potential first-round talent.
While the hypothetical of Ohio State “recruiting” Singleton is exciting, it underscores the intense nature of rivalries and the desire for dominant players. However, Singleton’s commitment to Penn State has been unwavering since he chose them over a host of national offers, including from Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame, back in July 2021.
His decision to return to Penn State for his senior season, despite being a projected Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speaks volumes about his loyalty and his desire to achieve a national championship with his current team. He explicitly stated, “‘I couldn’t end my career in college like this. That was a big part in me coming back.'” This sentiment reflects a deep commitment to his teammates and coaches.
While Nicholas Singleton is a Nittany Lion through and through, Ohio State is actively pursuing and securing elite running back talent for their future classes. For the 2026 class, the Buckeyes have already landed a commitment from Favour Akih, a four-star in-state running back who is ranked as the No. 14 running back in the nation by 247Sports Composite. This indicates that Ryan Day and his staff are building a strong future backfield, even without a player of Singleton’s current notoriety.
The Buckeyes also have a stellar overall 2026 recruiting class, which includes ESPN’s No. 1 overall player, defensive lineman James Johnson (who recently committed to Ohio State over SEC powers), along with other five-star talents and a deep pool of four-star prospects. This allows Ohio State to build an incredibly strong roster across the board, capable of competing for national championships year after year.
The fact that both Ohio State and Penn State boast incredibly talented running backs (Ohio State with TreVeyon Henderson, and Penn State with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen) highlights the strength of the Big Ten conference in producing elite rushers. The rivalry between these two programs is often decided in the trenches, and having top-tier running backs is crucial for success.
While Nicholas Singleton will continue to be a thorn in Ohio State’s side on the field as a rival, the “surprise” of him being “recruited” by the Buckeyes in this hypothetical sense is a testament to his status as one of college football’s truly electrifying talents. It’s a fun thought experiment for fans, but in reality, Singleton is Penn State’s superstar, and Ohio State is busy building its own future with its own incredible recruits.
