Penn State’s standout talent is once again drawing national recognition as the AP released its preseason All-America teams. The Nittany Lions placed three players on the first-team offense and added a fourth to the second team, underscoring the program’s depth and the buzz surrounding the upcoming season.
Nicholas Singleton, the versatile running back from Shillington, Pa., earned a spot on the AP preseason first team. He’s coming off a breakout campaign that saw him rush for 1,099 yards and total 17 touchdowns (12 rushing, five receiving). Singleton has been a fixture on award watch lists this offseason, including the Doak Walker (best running back), Maxwell (top collegiate player), and Walter Camp award watches. He also cracked The Athletic’s Freaks List, which highlights the sport’s most physical and elite athletes, ranking No. 19.
Joining Singleton on the first team is Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State’s starting left guard. Ioane’s attention isn’t limited to the AP list; he’s been named to the Outland Trophy watch list, which honors the top interior lineman in college football. Last season, he impressed with exceptional pass protection, surrendering just one quarterback hurry and recording zero sacks across 497 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Defensive tackle Zane Durant also earned first-team honors. Durant enjoyed a productive 2022 season with 42 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks over 16 starts. He earned a spot on The Athletic’s Freaks List as well, coming in at No. 8, and has drawn interest on several award watch lists, including the Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year), Bednarik Award (top defensive player), and Outland Trophy preseason lists.
On the second team, running back Kaytron Allen was named All-American with an all-purpose designation. Allen, who has split carries with Singleton during his Penn State career, finished last season with 1,108 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He’s been included on the Doak Walker and Maxwell preseason watch lists as well.
Beyond the field, the 2022 Penn State recruiting class has drawn praise at the highest levels, with Durant calling it “the best recruiting class ever, man,” a sentiment that mirrors the depth and talent the program has cultivated as it looks to push for national prominence again this season.
Penn State opens the season at Beaver Stadium against Nevada on August 30, scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS3. The early-season matchup sets the stage for a season many expect to be defined by an offense capable of big plays and a stout defense anchored by a disruptive front seven.
What to watch moving forward:
– Singleton’s continued breakout potential and how his dual-threat ability fuels Penn State’s offense.
– Ioane’s impact in the interior line and how it supports both the run game and pass protection.
– Durant’s disruptive presence on the defensive line and how the front seven affects opposing offenses.
– Allen’s role as a complementary back and how the backfield rotation might evolve under a busy schedule.
Overall, the preseason honors reinforce high expectations for Penn State, signaling strong confidence in the Lions’ core as they enter a season that could elevate the program back into national playoff conversations. The combination of elite backfield talent, a dominant interior line, and a fearsome defensive lineman gives Penn State a balanced foundation to build a competitive, potentially standout year.
Summary: Penn State’s trio on the AP preseason first team—Singleton, Ioane, and Durant—along with Allen on the second team, highlight a talented lineup entering a season with high national expectations. The recognition follows strong performances and notable watch-list placements, setting the stage for a hopeful and potentially breakthrough year for the Nittany Lions.