Penn State is heading into camp with a different look at running back, but Matt Campbell isn’t sounding concerned. If anything, the Nittany Lions’ coach seems energized by what’s in front of him.
The program has moved on from a pair of backs who piled up 7,641 rushing yards from 2022 to 2025, with Kaytron Allen finishing as Penn State’s all-time leading rusher at 4,180 yards and Nick Singleton sitting No. 4 on the school’s list with 3,461. That’s a massive amount of production to replace, but Campbell believes the 2026 room has both talent and depth.
At the top of the conversation is Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen, who came within striking distance of a 1,000-yard season in 2025. The 6-2, 216-pound senior ran for 952 yards and six touchdowns after putting up 13 scores in 2024.
“We brought in a two-year starter in Carson Hansen,” Campbell said during Penn State’s appearance at Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago earlier this week.
“Carson rushed for right around 1,000 yards a year ago, rushed for 800 yards the year before, kind of splitting carries at Iowa State .
“(He) really came on about midway through the (2025) season. He was a really special tailback a year ago at Iowa State.”
The room also features Ohio State transfer James Peoples, a 5-10, 214-pound junior who rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. Campbell pointed to what he saw from Peoples in spring.
“I think you saw flashes of James and what he’s got the ability to (do),” Campbell said, referring to Peoples’ spring performance.
Then there’s Quinton Martin Jr., the Penn State returnee who gave the coaches a strong reminder of what he can do in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson in December. The former Belle Vernon standout ran for 103 yards on 20 carries in that win and was named MVP of the game.
“He got to start the bowl game, was the MVP of the bowl game, rushed for over 100 yards,” Campbell said of Martin.
“He has really a bright future ahead of him. Again, fall camp’s going to be interesting because I think you’re going to have great competition for carries.
“The development of that group since the end of spring ball has been really fun to watch.”
“I think we’re super excited about what that backfield looks like,” Campbell added.
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