Penn State Football: Running Back Caziah Holmes No Longer on Roster

Running back Caziah Holmes is no longer with Penn State football, as confirmed by a team official Saturday morning. The redshirt sophomore appeared at Nittany Lions’ practice as recently as Wednesday and participated in Media Day.

After playing through his true freshman season, Holmes saw a decline in carries (51 to five) and received a redshirt in his second year.

An injury to Noah Cain and a premature retirement by Journey Brown forced Holmes into an active role in his freshman year. Splitting time alongside fellow true freshman Keyvone Lee, Holmes earned 51 carries. On the year, Holmes picked up 227 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Last season, with the return of Cain and arrival of Baylor transfer John Lovett, Holmes’ role declined as James Franklin opted to issue a redshirt. Holmes saw just five carries, which was fewer than wide receiver Jahan Dotson and tight end Tyler Warren.

If he were to enter the NCAA transfer portal, Holmes would hold four years of eligibility remaining including his extra COVID year.

Since the conclusion of last season, Holmes is the second running back to exit Penn State. In January, Noah Cain transferred to LSU.

Despite Holmes’ apparent departure, the Nittany Lions’ running back room remains rife with talent. The position group is projected to showcase sophomore Keyvone Lee and highly-touted true freshman Nick Singleton. Other key members of the group include returning senior Devyn Ford and Kaytron Allen, another top 2022 running back recruit.