Penn State has done everything it can on the ground over much of the past decade, but it will need to find a way to do the same moving forward with tough departures. With the possibility that both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen head to the NFL, the Nittany Lions are already being linked to one of the more intriguing portal options available.
Isaac Brown, the Louisville running back who entered the portal, is someone Penn State is being connected to.
Matt Burgos of Sportsnaut connected the dots about why it’d make sense for Penn State to show interest in the potential star who would be a nice fit in Happy Valley.
“Brown was limited to nine games in 2025 and rushed over 60 times less than he did the previous season because of a lower leg injury he suffered in November. However, in 2024, he had a breakthrough season as he rushed for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 7.1 yards per carry on 165 rushes was among the best in the entire nation among starting backs. He also had 30 catches for 152 yards.
“Power programs like Notre Dame, Penn State, and Miami could lose their best running backs in the next few weeks. The Fighting Irish will lose top star Jeremiyah Love to Round 1 of the NFL Draft, and backup Jadarian Price could also enter the April event. Both Penn State backs, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, could be headed to the NFL, and Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. could also head to the pros if he has a big showing in the college football playoffs,” he wrote.
Penn State is in a weird spot at running back, as it could be staring at a complete reset in the backfield. With Singleton and Allen both moving on, the Nittany Lions will need someone who can handle volume immediately while fitting Andy Kotelnicki’s offense.
The 2025 season saw him hurt, but 2024 was very, very impressive. He averaged a ridiculous 7.1 yards per carry, which would fit in well in the Big Ten, and the fact that he contributed as a receiver only helps.
For Penn State, this wouldn’t be about replacing Singleton or Allen individually. That would be impossible; they were that good.
It would be about improving the room.
Brown offers proven production, experience against big-time competition, and star power that fits what the Nittany Lions need.