Penn State's players of the game vs. Rutgers

Penn State's players of the game vs. RutgersStory byChristopher Sheppard, Nittany Lions WireSun, November 30, 2025 at 12:35 AM UTC·2 min read

In a game defined by two high-flying offenses fighting for a bowl bid, the Nittany Lions ultimately prevailed 40-36 after a fumble recovery for a touchdown clinched it. It may not be as satisfying as going to the College Football Playoff, as they expected at the beginning of the season, but the turnaround this team has had deserves its flowers after a rough 3-6 start to the season. Now, they get to play another game with a postseason bowl game berth now clinched.

Here are the players who defined Penn State's final game in a wild regular season.

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Offensive Player of the Game: Kaytron Allen

Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Stats: 22 carries, 226 yds, 1 TD

It has to be Kaytron Allen on a day the senior was fighting for one last chance to play with his Penn State brothers. He has been the on true constant in a trying season offensively at times for the Nittany Lions, and he deserves to hold all the records he has for the program. At the end of the day, while all the dreams that had been set forth for this squad didn't come true, Allen having the season he did has to feel special.

Defensive Player of the Game: Amare Campbell

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Amare Campbell (24) reacts after tackling Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Stats: 14 tackles, 5 solo, 1 forced fumble, 1 touchdown

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In a defense stacked with elite talent, it was the North Carolina transfer that captured the attention of Penn State fans all year. Not only has he been a surprising leader, he has also consistently led the team in tackles all year long, today's game notwithstanding. Most importantly, in a game defined by offense, it was his forced fumble that ultimately swung the game in Penn State's favor. Nittany Lions fans have to thank their lucky stars that a player of Campbell's caliber is on their roster.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State players of the game vs. Rutgers

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