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Saquon Barkley's Choice: Penn State's Game-Changer

6/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saquon Barkley's 2013 commitment to Penn State transformed the program, culminating in a Big Ten championship in 2016 and a powerful 2017 season. Had he chosen Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights could have seen a resurgence, while Penn State's running back landscape—and its appeal to future recruits—would have looked dramatically different.

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Story summary

Saquon Barkley's 2013 commitment to Penn State transformed the program, culminating in a Big Ten championship in 2016 and a powerful 2017 season. Had he chosen Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights could have seen a resurgence, while Penn State's running back landscape—and its appeal to future recruits—would have looked dramatically different.