BREAKING NEWS: Penn State Star RB Nick Singleton Rejects $10.5M NIL Deal to Stay a Nittany Lion
In a stunning and symbolic moment that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton — the pride of Reading, Pennsylvania — has reaffirmed his allegiance to the Nittany Lions, turning down a staggering $10.5 million NIL package reportedly offered by powerhouse collectives tied to both Ohio State and Florida.
The jaw-dropping deal, which included performance incentives, a national endorsement campaign, and guaranteed post-season bonuses, would have made Singleton one of the highest-paid athletes in college football history. But for Singleton, now entering his junior season and already a household name in State College, the answer was simple.
> “My mission hasn’t changed,” Singleton said during an emotional press conference held inside Beaver Stadium’s Lasch Football Building. “I came to Penn State to become a legend — not just for the stats, but for what it means to wear the Blue and White. Loyalty is bigger than money. I’m here to finish what we started.”
Singleton’s decision is being hailed as a watershed moment in the shifting NIL landscape. In an era increasingly shaped by financial leverage and roster poaching, the 6’0”, 222-pound star’s loyalty stands out. He rushed for 1,324 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, adding 337 yards receiving, and was widely considered a top Heisman contender for the upcoming year.
Sources close to the program confirmed that Ohio State’s NIL collective, “The Foundation,” and Florida’s “Gator Guard” each constructed competitive proposals — frontloaded with $4–5 million in guaranteed income, plus media appearances, car deals, and stock equity. But Singleton, whose parents were in the audience wearing “We Are” pins, declined them all.
> “You can’t buy the bond I have with this team,” Singleton added. “Coach Franklin believed in me when I was a 17-year-old kid. I’ve got unfinished business in Happy Valley.”
Head Coach James Franklin, flanked by offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, couldn’t hold back his emotion.
> “Nick is the heartbeat of this program. He represents everything we preach — toughness, humility, and belief in the brotherhood. His decision sends a message to every recruit in America: You don’t have to leave to be great.”
The ripple effects are already being felt. Five-star Class of 2025 RB recruit Jalen Witherspoon, who was reportedly leaning toward Georgia, reposted Singleton’s statement on X with the caption: “That’s legendary stuff. Might be time to take that visit to State College.”
The Nittany Lions, coming off an 11-2 season and a Peach Bowl victory, are entering the 2025 season as legitimate national title contenders. With Singleton staying, the offensive core — including QB Drew Allar and WR Harrison Wallace III — remains intact, boosting Penn State’s Playoff aspirations.
More than just a roster announcement, Singleton’s commitment is being interpreted as a cultural shift.
> “This is one of the biggest wins of the offseason — on or off the field,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “He turned down life-changing money because he believes in legacy over leverage. That’s rare.”
With fall camp just weeks away, Singleton isn’t interested in parades or praise.
> “All I care about is winning the Big Ten, beating Michigan and Ohio State, and walking out of here with a national title. That’s what being a Penn State legend is all about.”
And just like that, Nicholas Singleton didn’t just run past defenders — he ran straight into Nittany Lion lore.
