Quarterback, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers in the Spotlight.
With just two days left before Penn State Football takes the field against Nevada, anticipation is running high in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions, looking to begin their campaign with a bang, have fans wondering who will occupy the starting roles at the key offensive positions on Saturday. From the quarterback battle to the rotation in the backfield and the depth wide receiver corps, head coach James Franklin and the staff are mulling their options tightly as the opener nears.
Quarterback Spotlight
The biggest question for Penn State’s offense has been who will be the one to huddle up. There are expectations that sophomore Drew Allar will become the starter. Allar, who saw limited playing time last season, has impressed so far in fall camp with his arm talent, decision-making, and growing leadership presence. Coaches have praised him on being able to throw down the field, something the offense struggled to do on a consistent basis last season.
Behind Allar, veteran Beau Pribula has stuck around to provide competition and a sure hand. Pribula is faster and provides some situational flexibility, but Allar’s ceiling as a pocket passer is thought to provide him with the edge. The first ball-snapper on Saturday will be tasked with getting into a rhythm early against a Nevada defense eager to make a statement.
Running Back Rotation
Penn State starts the season with one of the Big Ten’s most explosive running back duos. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both of whom flashed brilliance last season as freshmen, are poised to again split carries. Singleton is the home-run threat, and he has the ability to break the big play every time he gets his hands on the ball. Allen, on the other hand, is the punishing, downhill runner who just wears defenses out.
The pair amassed more than 1,900 rushing yards last year, and the coaches stressed that the offense will rely heavily on their production this season as well. Depth in the backfield also bodes well for the Golden Gophers, with sophomore Trey Potts available to spell the starters and contribute on special teams. Nevada’s front seven will be tested early attempting to slow down such a dynamic rotation.
Wide Receiver Depth
If the strongest position group going into this Saturday is wide receiver, then nobody better is leading the way than KeAndre Lambert-Smith. With moments of brilliance last year, he ought to be Allar’s favorite target. Alongside him, transfer portal acquisition Dante Cephas brings experience and reliable hands. Cephas’ addition has added valuable depth and competition, an area which plagued the Nittany Lions in previous years.
Sophomore Harrison Wallace III has made some waves of his own in camp and should see plenty of snaps. His quickness and push of the field may open up opportunities for Singleton and Allen on the ground. With a solid three-headed backfield to operate out of, the receivers are tested with being able to support the ground game and provide balance to the offense.
What’s at x.
Saturday’s match against Nevada is not so much an opener as it is a chance for Penn State to establish its offense philosophy. The Nittany Lions go into the season looking to fulfill expectations, with visions of a Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. To make it happen, consistency and poise out of their young quarterback, reliability out of their backs, and cohesion with the wide receivers will be the keys.
Nevada, on the other hand, is looking to be the spoiler. The Wolf Pack were awful last season but enter 2025 looking to show they’ve improved under their coaching staff. A challenge against a division-leading Big Ten team on the road will be difficult, but it’s also an opportunity to measure how much progress they’ve made.
With kickoff just around the corner, it all comes together for Penn State. Whether it’s Allar making himself the new face of the offense, Singleton and Allen repeatedly mauling defenses, or Lambert-Smith emerging as the marquee receiver, the fans are in for a Saturday brimming with excitement.
It’s all practice fields and depth charts for the moment, but the predictions will be put under test by the lights of
Beaver Stadium in no time.
