Record-setting Penn State star RB Nick Singleton to opt out of Pinstripe Bowl

One of the most recognizable names in Penn State’s storied history is on his way out.

Senior running back Nick Singleton will not play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, according to Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle. Singleton is the third Nittany Lion to opt out thus far, joining defensive tackle Zane Durant and safety Zakee Wheatley.

Scarcella added that Singleton will remain in State College to train and will travel with the team to New York.

Singleton finishes his four-year Penn State career as the program’s all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns and all-purpose touchdowns (including receptions and kick returns).

He broke Saquon Barkley’s long-standing record with a 109-yard, two-touchdown performance from scrimmage in the regular-season finale at Rutgers.

“I was happy. My teammates were right there to celebrate me, then my coaches on the sideline, too,” Singleton said with a big smile after the 40-36 win. “It meant a lot to me, but I don’t get it without my teammates. I love them to death.”

A Shillington, Pa., native, Singleton came to Penn State as a five-star prospect in the vaunted 2022 recruiting class. He helped open a widely perceived championship window for the Nittany Lions.

Though the national title never came, Singleton began making his mark in Happy Valley early on. He rushed for 1,061 yards as a true freshman in 2022 and showed off his knack for the big play.

Alongside fellow senior bellcow Kaytron Allen, Singleton became part of perhaps the most prolific duo to ever share one position in Penn State history. Allen became the program’s all-time leading rusher.

Now, Singleton gets his final sendoff.

“We’ve been through a lot, me and Fatman (Allen),” Singleton said. “We stuck together, man. Every week, we fought.”