Breaking: Ohio State signs Nicholas Singleton, one of the top running backs in college football, who is the most promising young player. Greetings from home

Nicholas Singleton is one of the most electric young players in college football today, and his rise to national prominence has been anything but accidental. From his days as a five-star recruit coming out of Governor Mifflin High School in Pennsylvania to his explosive performances with Penn State, Singleton has made a name for himself as one of the most physically gifted and dynamic running backs in the nation. Rumors occasionally surface about potential transfers or NIL offers attempting to lure him elsewhere, but as of now, Singleton remains a proud Nittany Lion. Though a recent viral headline suggested he had signed with Ohio State, no verified source confirms such a move, and all indications point to Singleton finishing out his career at Penn State. Regardless of the jersey he wears, Singleton’s sheer talent demands attention.

Born with a rare blend of speed, power, and instinct, Singleton was already drawing comparisons to NFL-level running backs before he ever stepped foot on a college field. Measuring 6 feet tall and weighing around 226 pounds, he possesses a sculpted physique built for punishment but maintains top-end breakaway speed that makes him lethal in open space. Clocked at a blazing 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Singleton’s athletic profile mirrors that of elite NFL backs, and his ability to turn the corner, break arm tackles, and blow past defenders has been a staple of his game since high school.

At Penn State, Singleton hit the ground running—literally. In his freshman year, he broke the school’s freshman rushing record previously held by Saquon Barkley and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. He tallied over 1,000 yards on the ground with double-digit touchdowns, instantly becoming the centerpiece of Penn State’s offense. But his value extends beyond just statistics. Singleton has been a tone-setter, a back who brings intensity and discipline to every snap, and a leader who’s respected in the locker room as much as he is feared by defenses.

Over the course of his college career, Singleton has only grown more complete. Early on, his game was built on raw speed and power—qualities that allowed him to dominate against lesser competition. But as he faced tougher defensive fronts, Singleton began to refine his vision, his patience, and his understanding of blocking schemes. He learned when to hit the hole decisively and when to wait for the play to develop. His pass protection has improved markedly, allowing him to stay on the field for third downs, and his route running has become more polished, giving his team additional flexibility in how they deploy him.

The threat Singleton poses in the return game further amplifies his versatility. He has taken kicks back for touchdowns and often puts his team in favorable field position with just one cut and burst of acceleration. Opposing teams have had to scheme specifically to limit his opportunities in the return game, which speaks volumes about how disruptive he can be in all phases. It’s rare to find a back with this combination of traits: home-run hitting speed, tackle-breaking strength, special teams ability, and the work ethic of a seasoned professional.

While his physical tools alone would be enough to earn NFL scouts’ attention, what truly sets Singleton apart is his mental makeup. He’s intensely competitive, hyper-focused, and displays a maturity well beyond his years. In an era where athletes are frequently swayed by transfer portal opportunities and lucrative NIL deals, Singleton made headlines by reportedly turning down a massive \$4.5 million NIL offer to remain with Penn State. That decision not only reaffirmed his loyalty to the program but also demonstrated his belief in long-term success over short-term gain. His coaches have often spoken about his humility, his relentless work ethic, and his role as a culture-builder within the team.

Looking ahead, Singleton enters the 2025 college football season as one of the top draft-eligible running backs in the country. Analysts project him as a second- or third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, depending on how the season unfolds. But if he continues to develop his already elite skill set, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rise into first-round consideration. Teams are constantly on the hunt for durable, explosive backs who can contribute in multiple ways, and Singleton checks every box.

The comparisons to NFL stars are inevitable. His build and straight-line speed evoke memories of Jonathan Taylor in his Wisconsin days. His ability to shake defenders in space recalls Nick Chubb, while his all-around utility—running, catching, returning—draws parallels to Christian McCaffrey. Yet, Singleton is carving out a lane of his own, one paved by consistency, loyalty, and quiet dominance.

His decision to stay at Penn State for his senior season rather than declare for the draft early speaks to both his confidence in his development and his commitment to unfinished business. Penn State has come close to playoff contention in recent years, and Singleton’s return signals a clear intention: he wants to win, and he wants to do it as a Nittany Lion. The Big Ten is no cakewalk, with programs like Michigan and Ohio State perennially in the title mix, but with Singleton leading the backfield, Penn State has every reason to believe it can contend.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Defenses have begun to key in on Singleton more than ever, and as the focal point of Penn State’s offense, he will face loaded boxes and creative schemes designed to bottle him up. But that’s the reality for any elite player, and Singleton seems more than ready for the challenge. In fact, many within the program believe he’s only scratched the surface of his potential. He’s training harder, studying film more deeply, and pushing himself to evolve—not just as a runner, but as a complete football player.

Meanwhile, NFL scouts continue to monitor his every move. They’ve seen the highlights: the 70-yard touchdown runs, the stiff-arms that send defenders flying, the bursts of acceleration that look effortless. But what impresses them most is what happens between the lines, on plays that don’t make the highlight reel. The way he finishes runs. The way he picks up blitzes. The way he communicates with linemen and reads defenses pre-snap. These are the traits that translate to the next level, and Singleton has them in abundance.

It’s hard to talk about the future of college football without mentioning his name. He’s become a symbol of what the modern running back can be—athletically dominant, mentally sharp, and emotionally grounded. Fans love him because of what he does on Saturdays, but teammates and coaches respect him for what he does the rest of the week. He’s the type of player you build a program around, and Penn State is lucky to have him.

So when stories pop up suggesting he might be heading to a rival school like Ohio State, it naturally sends shockwaves through the fanbase. But until such a move is confirmed—and right now, there is no evidence that it has happened—Singleton remains a cornerstone of the Penn State program. He’s not just one of the top running backs in college football; he’s one of the most promising young players in the entire sport. Whether he’s taking handoffs in Beaver Stadium or eventually suiting up for an NFL franchise, Singleton’s journey is only just beginning.

He represents a rare blend of raw talent, polished technique, and unwavering discipline. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, simply by setting a standard that others want to match. And perhaps most importantly, he’s proof that in a landscape often dominated by flash and hype, substance still matters. Nicholas Singleton is not just chasing greatness—he’s embodying it.