Penn State’s 2025 season didn’t go the way anyone in Happy Valley hoped. A 6-6 record and a missed shot at the Big Ten title was a steep fall from the lofty preseason No. 2 ranking. But while the team’s performance may have disappointed, NFL scouts are still circling the Nittany Lions roster - and the Senior Bowl is shaping up to be their showcase.
The latest name added to the list? Nick Singleton.
The star senior running back officially accepted his invitation to the Panini Senior Bowl on Tuesday, becoming the fifth Penn State player headed to Mobile, Alabama. He joins fellow backfield mate Kaytron Allen, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, safety Zakee Wheatley, and defensive tackle Zane Durant.
That’s a strong core of talent, and it’s a clear signal: NFL teams are still very interested in what Penn State has been developing, even if the win column didn’t reflect it this year.
While the Senior Bowl doesn’t prevent players from suiting up in their team’s bowl game, three of those five - Singleton, Wheatley, and Durant - have already announced they’re opting out of the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson to focus on the NFL Draft.
Singleton’s decision comes at the end of a decorated college career. The former top in-state recruit from Shillington, Pennsylvania, leaves Penn State as the program’s all-time leader in both career rushing touchdowns and all-purpose touchdowns - a stat that speaks to his versatility as a runner, receiver, and return threat.
He broke onto the scene early, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2022, and followed that up with two 1,000-yard seasons. Along the way, he picked up third-team and honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades, and established himself as one of the most dynamic backs in the country.
Now, he’ll take that résumé to Mobile, where a full week of practices in front of NFL coaches and scouts will give him the chance to elevate his draft stock. The Senior Bowl - set for Jan. 31 - has long been a proving ground for prospects looking to separate themselves, and Singleton will have plenty of eyes on him.
As for the rest of the Penn State contingent, Kaytron Allen - Singleton’s backfield partner - will be another name to watch. The two formed one of the most productive running back tandems in college football over the past few seasons. And on the defensive side, Dennis-Sutton, Wheatley, and Durant all bring intriguing skill sets that should translate well to the pro level.
So while the Nittany Lions’ 2025 campaign may have ended in bowl-game purgatory, the program is still very much a pipeline to the NFL. The Senior Bowl will be the next step in that journey - and for Singleton and company, it’s a chance to turn the page from a tough season and show what they can do on the biggest pre-draft stage.