Penn State football has a strong history, to say the least, when it comes to running backs.

From John Cappelletti to Ki-Jana Carter to Saquon Barkley, Nick Singleton, and Kaytron Allen, the backfield in Happy Valley is constantly oozing with talent.

With Singleton and Allen turning the page on their illustrious Nittany Lion careers, the blue and white must now look to the next generation of young backs that will aim to assert themselves amongst Penn State rushing royalty.

In the Pinstripe Bowl, Quinton Martin Jr. showed that he was fit for the role. He rushed for 103 yards on 20 carries in his first start of the season.

But after Matt Campbell announced that he would be taking the Penn State head coaching job in early December, the program experienced a wave of transfer portal additions that would completely reshape the roster. 

Martin announced that he would stay in State College to continue his Penn State legacy and would be joined by Carson Hansen from Iowa State, James Peoples from Ohio State, among others. Cam Wallace also withdrew his name from the transfer portal to play for Campbell.

Any running back that arrives in Happy Valley comes in knowing they will have big shoes to fill.  For Hansen, that notion is no different. 

Singleton raised the school bar for the most total touchdowns last season, with Allen breaking the elusive rushing record. But Hansen views the opportunity to succeed as a blessing and an opportunity, more so than an added pressure.

“I really appreciate the history of this place, having Saquon, Kaytron, Nick, all those guys in the past, so I’m excited,” he said. “It doesn’t stress me out too much.”

Learning about the past is something Campbell has made a point of emphasizing since arriving on campus. He is a firm believer in building an identity that revolves around the university, so it’s common for him to bring in guest speakers or show videos about the people who have molded Penn State into what it is today.

“It’s really unbelievable. I’m just really excited to learn more about it,” he said.

For Peoples, the history of the running back room played a part in his decision to come to Penn State. 

“Penn State is a running school,” he said. “That’s the identity of the offense, and of the team really. Carrying that has been something that I’m not shying away from.”

While the depth chart will sort itself out as the 2026 season gets closer, building relationships within the room is key in order to establish future success. With the locker room being a melting pot of players from all different schools and athletic backgrounds, building chemistry to become Penn State football is a top priority.

“We had to feel out the first couple days of getting to know each other,” Hansen said. “We’ve done a great job forming those relationships and forming those bonds at an early time.”

Peoples shares in the sentiment, and attributes Campbell’s leadership to the closeness of the group. His selflessness and drive to restore greatness at Penn State have helped bring the team together, all in pursuit of one goal.

“That’s the reason I came here, to bring success back to State College, bring it back to Happy Valley,” Peoples said. “All of us are aligned with that, and that’s something I’m on board with. I love to see that fire in my head coach’s eyes and around the facility. It just makes you want to run through a wall.”

As the offseason rolls on, one thing remains clear: the new era of Penn State football is here and hungrier than ever. Fueled by the school’s rich history, Campbell has brought in a group of guys who will look to honor their university on and off the field.

“The chant is ‘We Are,’” Hansen said. “No matter where we come from, we’re going to come together as one and just play as a team and a brotherhood.”