DETROIT — Penn State quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton both indicated on Friday night following a 42-0 win over Michigan State that they have no plans to leave Penn State this offseason and enter the transfer portal.
While at face value this might seem like an obvious response to such a question, both have fairly reasonable arguments to do so following a 10-2 regular season that was not short on offensive drama.
For the part of Allar, Penn State’s sophomore quarterback was hot and cold for the majority of the season and could have found the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich off-putting as Yurcich was among the main draws for Allar to Penn State. Broadly, Allar may have also found Penn State’s lack of explosive plays and pending personnel changes to not be in his best interest for his own development. Asked about his future plans following Penn State’s 42-0 win over Michigan State and one of his better performances of the year, Allar brushed aside the notion he might look elsewhere.
“I don’t think there’s any decision,” Allar said. “I’ve been committed here. Coach Franklin is a huge influence in my life, not only on the field, but personally. I’ve definitely grown a lot since I’ve stepped on campus. So I have no thoughts of anything like that.”
As for Singleton, the talented sophomore running back prospect has spent the majority of the season looking to regain his form from his freshman campaign. While Singleton – much like Allar – never hinted at any sort of departure, Singleton spent portions of the year seeming visibly disappointed in his own performances. A consummate teammate Singleton was always the first to heap praises on fellow running back Kaytron Allen and others, but also seemed frustrated with his own lack of success. The notion that Singleton could look for a change of scenery was not an unreasonable one.
But like Allar, he too swatted aside that prospect.
“I’m committed for sure,” Singleton said. “I’m committed to the whole team next year. I’m committed to Coach Franklin. I’m committed to Coach Seider. The whole coaching staff. I’m telling you I ain’t leaving nowhere. I’m staying here.”
It was unlikely that either would have alluded to their potential departure if they have plans to do so, and quotes given in postgame interviews have never been binding. That being said, both gave fairly strong commitments to Penn State’s 2024 season. A fact that might turn out to be a bigger win than the one Penn State picked up on the field.
