He played American football and basketball for Penn State University. He led the basketball team to the 1954 NCAA Final Four. He was named an All-American that season. Arnelle was also named to the 1954 NCAA All-Tournament team and the East Regional Most Valuable Player. Arnelle finished his Penn State basketball career as the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 2,138 points and 1,238 rebounds.