MOBILE, Ala. — Kaytron Allen still hasn’t laid his eyes on the updated Student Book Store steps, which has him featured at the top as Penn State’s all-time leading rusher.
But a couple of months removed from making history, Allen took some time to reflect on being etched into the record books — and painted onto those stairs in downtown State College.
“It’s still kind of unbelievable,” Allen told PennLive at the Senior Bowl. “But it was a goal that I had set. I had to put my mind to it and do something different this year.”
Allen said he’ll be sure to make a trip to the Student Book Store when he’s back in State College for the Nittany Lions’ pro day in March. But right now, he’s putting his mind toward something else: becoming one of the top running backs selected in the 2026 NFL draft.
Allen is 1,000 miles away from Happy Valley, impressing NFL scouts and coaches at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. After this, he’ll be at next month’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Then he’ll be at Penn State’s pro day, followed by a host of team visits before April’s draft.
It’s a busy schedule but one that excites Allen. He spent the last four years establishing himself at Penn State. Now, he gets to do it in different environments.
Allen was a standout during Tuesday’s practice, the first of three before Saturday’s showcase game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. He displayed his vision, slipping through creases; his burst, pulling away from would-be tacklers; and his pass protection, stonewalling defenders.
Allen said the “biggest thing” he wants to accomplish this week is showcase his ability to catch passes. He had only 70 receptions over the course of 54 games at Penn State. But outside of that, NFL scouts are watching a proven product in Mobile.
Allen was dynamic and dependable all four years at Penn State. The 2022 signee totaled a program-record 4,180 rushing yards, breaking Evan Royster’s mark with a 160-yard performance against Nebraska last November.
Collectively, Penn State fell way short of its goal. But individually, Allen had a career year with 1,303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He was especially good down the stretch, racking up 836 yards on 140 carries in his final six games. It was during that stretch that Allen’s draft stock started to rise.
Right now, he’s ranked as ESPN’s No. 3 running back in the draft class. Notre Dame star and Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love is a nailed-on first-rounder. But the RB2 spot is up for grabs.
There are a handful of intriguing backs in this class. Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson and Washington’s Jonah Coleman are some of the contenders for the RB2 spot in the draft. But fitting enough, ESPN has Allen ranked right behind Nick Singleton.
The two were roommates in college and shared carries the last four years. Now, not only are they on the same National team at the Senior Bowl, but they’re both chasing a shared goal: that top RB spot in the draft behind Love.
“That’s my brother,” Allen said. “We’ll always pride ourselves on competing and making each other better, no matter what it is. And we’re going at it as brothers. There’s no bad blood. It’s always been a blessing to be beside my brother, and I’m glad.”
Who knows? Maybe Allen and Singleton will go back-to-back in the draft.
But whenever Allen is selected, whichever team lands him will know — after four years at Penn State, a week at the Senior Bowl and more to come — what and who they’ll be getting.
