As January neared an end, record-setting Penn State running back Nick Singleton realized something was wrong with his right foot. An injury occurred during preparation for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., where he'd hoped to help his stock for the 2026 NFL Draft.
"My first thoughts were I hope it's not bad — just a little sprain or something like that," Singleton said. "But then the doctor told me what it was."
There was a break impacting the fifth metatarsal bone and it required surgery, first reported by Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle.
"I was upset," Singleton said.
He initially leaned on conversations with his parents to work through those emotions. Singleton then placed focus on the recovery process.
Seven weeks later, back at Penn State's indoor practice facility for Pro Day, he expressed increased confidence.
"I feel like I'm good," Singleton said. "I'm starting to walk a little bit more. I've been walking the past two weeks. I think I'm going to run a little bit in a couple weeks."
Penn State's all-time leader in touchdowns scored (55) and all-purpose yards (5,586), Singleton possesses elite speed when healthy. The Nittany Lions staff clocked him at 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash during Winter 2024.
That result would've ranked second among all running backs at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which Singleton attended without on-field participation. He acknowledged the inability to showcase his speed is "definitely frustrating", and remained a spectator during those tests Wednesday.
However, he did serve up evidence of his strength at Pro Day, producing 25 bench-press reps of 225 pounds. That total would've ranked second among positional peers at the Combine.
So what's next for Singleton?
"I'm gonna try to run, definitely, before the draft," he said.
Based on feedback from medical professionals, Singleton anticipates he will be back to "100 percent" before the draft, which occurs April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. He mentioned the possibility of filming some sprints and "sending it out" to NFL coaches who won't be able to see him in person due to a limited timeframe.
"I'm getting better every day," Singleton said. "I'm still that same player who can run the ball, catch the ball out of the backfield and is able to go block. I want to show that I'm a complete back."
Singleton met with several teams during the Combine, including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts. He is set to visit the New York Jets this week, while virtual Zoom sessions are scheduled with other squads.
"I'm taking it one meeting at a time," Singleton said. "Take a deep breath and answer the questions. It's really just talking ball, so that's the fun part about it. I don't feel any pressure."
His Penn State career included two 1,000-yard campaigns (2022 and 2024), along with Big Ten Freshman of the Year recognition. He was a high-impact pass target (five touchdowns on 41 receptions) as a junior during the team's first playoff run.
Last season, Singleton struggled to establish positive momentum and increasingly ceded snaps and carries to fellow senior Kaytron Allen, who set the school record for career rushing yards (4,180 yards). He finished with a career-low 549 rushing yards but found some late success as a supplemental playmaker.
Singleton averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns during a Nov. 8 game against eventual national champion Indiana. He then surpassed a six-yard average in each of the last two conference contests, versus Nebraska and Rutgers, scoring twice in both matchups to eclipse Saquon Barkley atop the Nittany Lions leaderboard.
"Obviously it wasn't the season I wanted," Singleton said. "But to finish off strong and leave my legacy here at Penn State, it means a lot to me."
What is that legacy?
"One of the best running backs to come here," he said.
Beyond offense, Singleton believes experience as a college kickoff returner — resulting in multiple All-Big Ten honors — will benefit his quest to carve out an NFL career.
"When you get to the next level, the fastest way to be on the field is special teams," he said. "So to have that on my resume means a lot."
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Singleton believes that four seasons of balancing running back duties with Allen set him up to turn pro without significant wear and tear. Although they'll now part ways after a historic partnership, he described an everlasting bond.
"We've reached out throughout the whole draft process, making sure we're good and checking in," Singleton said. "It's a brotherhood. This is for life. That's my guy."
Allen and Singleton are ranked sixth and eighth, respectively, in post-Combine running back rankings from longtime ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper.
Arizona State star Cam Skattebo was the eighth running back selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He went to the Giants at Pick 105 overall in Round 4 and ultimately emerged as New York's starter before suffering a midseason injury.
Pro Football Focus projects Singleton to land with the Seattle Seahawks at Pick 96 in Round 3. In that case, he is the sixth running back selected.
Singleton hasn't solidified his plans for the draft but intends to spend it alongside his family.
"I'm gonna enjoy the moment with them," he said.