Kaytron Allen
Washington CommandersOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Penn State · Big Ten
| Season | G | Car | Yds | TD | Rec | RecYds | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 156 | 750 | 6 | 18 | 178 | 62 |
| 2023 | 12 | 162 | 843 | 6 | 13 | 66 | 83 |
| 2024 | 16 | 218 | 1,091 | 6 | 18 | 153 | 78 |
| 2025 | 12 | 202 | 1,222 | 11 | 18 | 72 | 15 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Penn State · 2026 draft class
Kaytron Allen has established himself as Penn State's featured running back and one of the top rushing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class after taking over the lead role from teammate Nick Singleton during a tumultuous 2024 season. The 5-11, 217-pound running back broke out with a 145-yard performance against Iowa despite Penn State's 3-4 start and season-ending injury to quarterback Drew Allar. Allen has carried the offensive load with 98 rushe's for 612 yards and 9 touchdowns through the early portion of the season, demonstrating the ability to produce despite defenses keying on him as the primary offensive threat. His physical running style allows him to rush with force and consistently fall forward for additional yardage after contact, making him a reliable chain-mover in short-yardage situations. Allen's emergence as the Nittany Lions' big dog represents a critical development for his draft stock, as scouts value proven workload capacity and production in featured roles over complementary back statistics. His 2024 campaign showcases resilience and leadership, shouldering a heavy workload while maintaining efficiency despite team struggles and defensive attention.
Strengths
- Proven workhorse capability with 98 carries through partial 2024 season demonstrates ability to handle featured back workload at NFL level
- Excellent production efficiency averaging 6.2 yards per carry with 612 yards and 9 touchdowns shows explosive playmaking and finishing ability
- Physical running style with force allows him to break tackles
- fall forward for extra yards
- and consistently move chains in short-yardage situations
- 145-yard performance vs Iowa showcases big-game ability and capacity to carry offense when team needs production most
- Took over lead role from highly-touted Nick Singleton
- demonstrating superior consistency and earning coaches' trust as primary ball carrier
- Produces despite adverse circumstances (3-4 team record
- season-ending injury to QB Drew Allar) showing mental toughness and focus
Concerns
- Limited sample size as feature back - primarily 2024 production raises questions about consistency over multiple seasons as workhorse
- Height at 5-11 is slightly undersized for NFL running back
- may struggle to see over offensive line in pass protection
- Shared backfield with Nick Singleton in previous seasons means limited extensive game film as every-down back before 2024
- Playing for struggling 3-4 Penn State team without starting quarterback creates questions about stat inflation against prevent defenses
- Not receiving national recognition or All-Big Ten honors despite production suggests scouts see limitations in skillset or competition level
- Receiving ability and route-running remain unproven with limited evidence in available game data about pass-catching capacity
- Unknown athletic testing numbers create uncertainty about explosiveness
- top-end speed
- and other measurable traits for NFL projection
Honors
Penn State featured running back (2024); Week 9 top RB prospect rising; Big Ten competition experience