Penn State football running back Nicholas Singleton scored his record-tying touchdown for total rushing touchdowns and all-time collegiate career touchdowns in Week 13. The senior rusher scored his 53rd total and 43rd rushing touchdown of his career, tying former Nittany Lion running back Saquon Barkley for first in the record book.
Kaytron Allen makes history in first quarter against Nebraska
On Saturday, Singleton scored his 54th total and 44th rushing touchdown representing the blue and white. He officially took over that No. 1 spot for himself, putting Barkley back at second in both stats.
Nicholas Singleton surpasses Saquon Barkley for all-time touchdowns in Penn State history
On Penn State's second drive of the afternoon, which began on a turnover on downs after a failed fake field goal attempt from Rutgers, both Singleton and running back Kaytron Allen took the field alongside quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer.
On first-and-10 at the Scarlet Knights' 20-yard-line, Grunkemeyer handed the ball off to Singleton who carried it for eight yards. He then had a short gain of one on the following play, bringing up third-and-one at the 11-yard-line.
Knowing Singleton had a record to set, Grunkemeyer kept the senior rusher hot and gave him a third opportunity to find the end zone. Singleton took the handoff and easily slipped by Rutgers' defense to pass the plane and put Penn State on top.
He avoided the pile and escaped a defender. Singleton made another Scarlet Knight miss due to his speed and basically went untouched into the end zone as the second defender chasing him dove onto the ground in attempt to take him down.
There’s been a lot of TDs in Penn State history…
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) November 29, 2025
But this one makes Nick Singleton have the MOST EVER. #WeAre | @NickSingletonn
pic.twitter.com/eWu3MtHS5G
He joined his backfield partner Allen as record-setting running backs in program history within two weeks. In Week 13, Allen became the Nittany Lions' leader in all-time rushing yards, surpassing Evan Royster. Before the final week of the regular season, Allen totaled 3,954 yards. Singleton sits fifth on that list with 3,375 rushing yards.
Singleton had another impressive play in the first quarter alone. On second-and-10, after Grunkemeyer's pass to wide receiver Trebor Pena was broken up, Singleton rushed left along the left sideline. Defensive back Jett Elad made a touchdown-saving play, halting Singleton after 53 yards in Rutgers territory. The running back put the Nittany Lions at the Scarlet Knights' 36-yard-line, helping establish the run game further and give Rutgers' defense a tough challenge to beat on the ground.