Penn State’s offense had to make a go of it in the Pinstripe Bowl without Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
The two rushing standouts, who combined for more than 7,600 career yards during their collegiate careers, were not available against Clemson in the Nittany Lions’ final game of the 2025 season.
Young Quinton Martin Jr. stepped up, running for a career-high 103 yards on 20 carries as PSU pulled away from Dabo Swinney’s Tigers for a 22-10 win.
Martin, a Pennsylvania prep star at Belle Vernon, had fresh legs after not receiving a carry in 2025 prior to the Clemson contest.
Is Martin, now a redshirt sophomore, capable of more in 2026?
Penn State first-year head coach Matt Campbell, who spent 10 seasons at Iowa State, brought Cyclones standout runner Carson Hansen with him from Ames.
PSU also added Ohio State transfer James Peoples.
Despite Martin’s Pinstripe effort, he is in a fight for playing time.
Campbell was asked about Martin’s spring efforts earlier this week.
“Quinton had a really good day,” Martin said shortly after Penn State completed a Tuesday morning practice. “I think Quinton’s a guy that every day I step on the practice field, I really enjoy how he approaches his journey right now.”
Martin’s performance vs. Clemson has the attention of Campbell and his staff. PSU lists Martin at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds and the hope is he can play at closer to at least 210 in the fall.
“You guys got to watch him the last game of the season (vs. Clemson),” Campbell said. “You saw a guy that’s got great talent and taking that talent and maturing into what’s the standard of excellence to play running back here, those are two different things.
“I think he has been purposeful and intentful,” Campbell continued. “I think he’s done a great job in terms of adding weight and consistently keeping that on.”
Hansen, a 6-2, 220-pound senior, looks like Penn State’s guy in the run game if he stays healthy. A second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025, Hansen ran for more than 1,700 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Martin and Peoples have some ground to make up on Hansen, and it starts on the practice field, according to Campbell.
“What do great players look like every day they step on the practice field?” Campbell said. “And how do you continue to elevate yourself and your process of what it takes to be a great tailback?
“Great tailbacks have to do three things really well,” Campbell added. “They gotta block, they gotta catch, and they certainly have to have the ability to run the football. I really do appreciate (Martin).”