Penn State running back Kaytron Allen may finally be set for the kind of workload fans have been waiting years to see. After enduring four seasons without a fully healthy offseason, Allen has looked sharper and more explosive than ever through the opening stretch of 2025.
Head coach James Franklin reminded reporters of that fact this week, just days before the No. 12 Nittany Lions host No. 5 Oregon in a highly anticipated Beaver Stadium White Out.
With Penn State seeking its first home win over a Top 10 opponent in nearly a decade, the senior’s expanded role could prove decisive.
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Franklin hints at bigger role for Allen vs Oregon
Franklin did not mince words about his senior back on Monday.
“Yeah, just like I mentioned to you guys about Kaytron (Allen's) offseason, I think you're seeing it, right? You're seeing what we talked about. His ability to go the distance, be explosive. His yards per carry are as impressive as anybody in the country and, obviously, he's earned that. He's earned that right to be a guy that we want to get the ball into his hands as much as we possibly can.”
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Allen has logged only 34 carries through Penn State’s three blowout victories, but he has maximized them.
He ranks eighth nationally at 8.03 yards per attempt, highlighted by a 67-yard touchdown burst against FIU where he pulled away from defenders on his 5-foot-11, 220-pound frame. His vision on outside runs has looked quicker than in prior seasons.
The surge continues a late-season tear from 2024, when Allen rolled up 410 yards at 6.4 yards per carry in postseason games against Oregon, SMU, Boise State, and Notre Dame.
He gashed the Ducks for 124 yards on 14 attempts in the Big Ten title game. While his limited snaps this fall reflect both lopsided scores and his timeshare with Nick Singleton, Saturday’s White Out may call for Penn State to lean on its most effective back.