NFL Draft Profile | Nicholas Singleton

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton has received attention all throughout his football career and rightfully so. Coming out of Governor Mifflin High School in Reading, PA, Singleton was a five-star prospect, the No.1 running back and the No.19 overall recruit in the 2022 class, while earning Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Now, after a storied career in the blue and white, Singleton is headed to the next level.

Singleton exploded onto the scene his freshman year where he rushed for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns on 156 carries. He would again replicate his dominance in his junior year, when he posted career highs in carries (172), yards (1,099) and touchdowns (13).

But, in his sophomore and senior seasons, Singleton saw production decrease in the run game. He did not rush for 1,000 yards in either of those seasons and only scored over ten touchdowns in just one of those years (2024). 

Despite the decrease in production, as a result of splitting carries with fellow NFL Draft prospect Kaytron Allen,  Singleton’s spirit never wavered. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt at the 2026 NFL Combine, Singleton praised the decision to split carries saying. 

“It meant a lot to us, it kept us healthy too,” Singleton emphasized. “It helps us going to the next level too.”

Although Singleton was not able to produce high numbers on the ground those two seasons, he still found a way to be effective. Singleton caught 41 passes for 375 yards and five receiving touchdowns in 2023 and then had another 24 grabs for 219 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Additionally, he proved to be a physical blocker in the run and passing game. 

Singleton’s collegiate career was decorated. He was honored as the Big Ten-Randle El Freshman of the Year Award in 2022, received Third-Team All-Big Ten Honors in 2023 and All-Big Ten Honorable Mentions selections in 2024 and 2025.

With his time in Happy Valley in the rearview, Singleton turned his attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. However, during practice at the 2026 Senior Bowl, Singleton sustained a broken bone in his right foot. Although he did not workout at the Combine or Pro Day, Singleton has been cleared to play.

In an interview following Penn State’s Pro Day, Singleton revealed that he informed teams that he was “trying to aim for the week before the Draft, but I feel like I’m going to be cleared for then.”

Aside from his injury, Singleton brings a lot to the table that will only make him more of a player of interest for NFL teams. He possesses a great blend of size, speed and explosiveness that have allowed him to excel at the college level. On top of that, anonymous NFL scouts have noted that he “understands protection duties against the blitz.”

Singleton’s effectiveness on special teams also helps him as he transitions to the professional ranks. During his freshman season, Singleton recorded his only kick return touchdown of his career and, in his senior campaign, he posted a career high in kick return yards with 349.

Scouts project Singleton as a day two selection, with the Las Vegas Raiders mentioned as a potential landing spot. Even though the Raiders drafted Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty in the first round last year, the Raiders have an extreme lack of depth at the position. Not only would Singleton provide depth, but he makes a great second punch option behind Jeanty in the Sin City.