Penn State went deep into its playbook during a college football game at USC in the middle of October. Tight end Tyler Warren scored a crucial second-half touchdown on a center-eligible trick play named after viral peloton instructor Kendall Toole.
The unusual moniker stems from a weekly tradition with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.
Warren singlehandedly led the Nittany Lions back from a 14-point halftime deficit in Los Angeles. The Trojans did not have an answer for the 6-foot-6, 261-pound senior. He was literally everywhere.
Warren ultimately finished with 224 yards receiving on 17 catches, one four-yard rushing attempt and one completed pass. Meanwhile, the rest of the offense combined for only 13 total catches in four quarters plus overtime.
His lone touchdown of the afternoon came on the most unique play you will see this year. It is also one of the most unique plays of all-time!
‘Kendall Toole’ worked to perfection!
Penn State lined up with six offensive linemen. One wide receiver lined up on the right side of the the line of scrimmage as a tight end. Two other skill players were split out on the line of scrimmage to the left.
Starting quarterback Drew Allar was behind the line of scrimmage, behind the two blockers on the left. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula lined up in shotgun formation with an empty backfield.
Warren was actually the sixth lineman on the far left side of the formation and the center.
He snapped the ball to Pribula, who threw over to Allar. He connected with Warren on the double pass for six.
Don't see this every day.
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 12, 2024
Tyler Warren snapped the ball and then caught the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/JylEKQGPvB
The play, which has a hilarious name, was the perfect call at the perfect time. Warren revealed that it is referred to as “Kendall Toole.”
Kendall Toole is a popular fitness personality who used to teach spin classes for Peloton. Kotelnicki and Trautwein took her class every Monday. They decided to pay homage to their instructor with Penn State’s trick play.
Ironically, Toole used to cheer at USC so she is conflicted about the play!
Warren’s center-eligible touchdown was likely the only time the Nittany Lions will run ‘Kendall Toole’ this season since opponents now know what to expect. Its lone usage was a great success.