Live Update: Former Texas Coach Stan Drayton Lands New Role at Penn State
A familiar name for Texas Longhorns fans is making a move to a new program. Stan Drayton, who previously served as an associate head coach, running backs coach, and running game coordinator at Texas from 2017-21, has officially landed a new role at Penn State.
Drayton most recently spent three seasons as the head coach at Temple (2022-24) but was let go following a 9-25 record with the Owls. Despite his struggles as a head coach, his track record in player development remains strong, particularly at the running back position.
Drayton’s Texas Legacy
Drayton played a key role in recruiting elite talent to Austin, most notably Bijan Robinson, the star running back who became a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. His tenure also included developing backs like Chris Warren III, Tre Watson, Keaontay Ingram, Roschon Johnson, and Robinson—players who left their mark on the Texas program.
With Jonathan Brooks and Bijan Robinson now in the NFL, the Longhorns relied on a new backfield duo in Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue during the 2024 season. Wisner stepped up with 1,064 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Blue contributed 730 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. However, this was not the initial plan for Texas.
Cedric Baxter Jr., originally projected to be the lead back, suffered a torn LCL and PCL in August, sidelining him for the entire season. This forced Steve Sarkisian’s staff to adjust, with Wisner and Blue rising to the occasion.
Drayton’s New Opportunity at Penn State
Drayton now joins a Penn State program that boasts one of the most talented backfields in the country. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are set to return for the 2025 season, both coming off 1,000-yard rushing campaigns. The duo combined for an impressive 2,207 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns last season, giving Drayton plenty of weapons to work with.
Penn State and Texas both reached the College Football Playoff in 2024, with Penn State falling to Notre Dame in the semifinal, while Texas lost to Ohio State in the same round. Now, as Drayton transitions to Happy Valley, he will look to elevate Penn State’s rushing attack to new heights.
Stay tuned for more updates as Penn State officially announces Drayton’s hiring.
