Player I’m Most Excited For This Spring: Quinton Martin Jr.
The Future of Penn State’s Running Back Room is Waiting in the Wings
When Quinton Martin Jr. arrived on Penn State’s campus as an early enrollee in the winter of 2024, the buzz around him was undeniable. A former five-star recruit and the top-rated player in Pennsylvania from the Class of 2024 (per 247Sports), Martin was pegged as the next big thing in the Nittany Lions’ backfield. But with veteran stars Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen still dominating the carries, Martin’s breakout was always going to be a matter of when, not if.
That “when” appeared to be the 2025 season—until it wasn’t.
In a surprising twist that shook up expectations, both Singleton and Allen decided to return for their final year of eligibility. While it had long been assumed that at least one, if not both, would declare for the NFL Draft, their return has postponed Martin’s expected rise to the top of the depth chart.
Still, that doesn’t mean this spring is a quiet one for Martin. Quite the opposite, in fact.
With Singleton and Allen likely being limited in spring practices to preserve their health, Martin should have every opportunity to take center stage. This spring presents a crucial developmental window for the young back, not only to gain reps with the first team but also to showcase what the post-Singleton-and-Allen era could look like in Happy Valley.
Martin’s freshman campaign saw him appear in six games, tallying 32 rushing yards on 13 carries, 18 receiving yards on three catches, and a 27-yard kickoff return. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but the flashes of explosiveness and vision were enough to get fans excited about his future. With a full offseason in Penn State’s strength and conditioning program under his belt, Martin is poised to make a much bigger impression this spring.
Keep a close eye on reports coming out of practice over the next several weeks. If Martin starts turning heads with his playmaking ability and physicality, it could be a sign of things to come—both in 2025, where he’s expected to have an expanded role, and more importantly, in 2026, when the backfield likely becomes his to command.
The Blue-White Game will be a particularly important moment for Martin. It’s a chance to show fans, coaches, and teammates alike that he’s not just a highly touted recruit, but a future star in the making. If he can stack a few highlight plays and demonstrate his growth, the narrative around his role could shift faster than expected.
In a spring filled with roster transitions and renewed optimism, Quinton Martin Jr. is the name to watch. He may not be the headliner just yet—but he’s not far off.
