Penn State football is entering the 2026 season ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press preseason poll, marking their fourth consecutive year in the rankings.
Why it matters: This ranking reflects a fresh start under first-year head coach Matt Campbell, who is tasked with revitalizing a program that finished last season unranked after a disappointing 7-6 record.
The Nittany Lions' No. 18 ranking is one slot lower than their previous No. 17 position in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll.
This marks Penn State's ninth preseason ranking in the past decade, signaling consistent competitiveness in college football.
Campbell's leadership comes after the firing of former coach James Franklin, who left the team during a six-game losing streak.
Driving the news: The preseason polls were released on August 17, 2026, as the Nittany Lions prepare for their season opener against Marshall on September 5.
Campbell's tenure follows a tumultuous previous season, where the team was once ranked as high as No. 3 before collapsing.
Senior quarterback Rocco Becht is expected to be a key player, leading a roster that has seen an influx of 40 transfers, many from Iowa State.
The upcoming schedule features tough matchups against ranked teams like No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, and No. 17 Washington.
State of play: The Nittany Lions are in a transitional phase, with a revamped coaching staff and a significantly altered roster.
Campbell's squad includes major contributors such as running back Carson Hanson and wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen.
Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn is implementing a new defensive scheme, emphasizing player ownership and core concepts.
Returning players like Tony Rojas and Zion Tracy are adapting quickly to Lynn's system, which is built on simplicity and flexibility.
The big picture: Penn State's ranking reflects both optimism and skepticism about their potential this season.
The Nittany Lions are one of eight Big Ten teams in the AP Top 25, but they rank lower than six of their conference rivals.
Ohio State and Oregon lead the rankings at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, with defending national champion Indiana at No. 6.
The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference dominate the top rankings, with five teams in the Top 10.
What they're saying: Players and coaches have expressed confidence in the new direction of the program under Campbell.
“He’s just building it off us and what we’re best at,” Rojas said about Lynn’s approach to the defense.
Tracy highlighted the player-led philosophy: “It’s simple, but it’s complex at the same time. It’s a good vibe.”
Campbell emphasized the importance of health as the team prepares for the season, noting that key transfers are recovering well from injuries.
By the numbers: The Nittany Lions' schedule includes several key dates that will test their mettle.
September 5: Season opener against Marshall at Beaver Stadium, where they are overwhelming favorites.
October 10: High-stakes matchup against USC, anticipated to be a White Out game.
October 17: Road game at Michigan, a key contest against another ranked opponent.
November 7: Another challenging road game at Washington, rounding out a tough slate.
What's next: As the season approaches, the focus will be on how well the team can execute Lynn’s new defensive strategy.
The coaching staff is working diligently to integrate the new players and schemes ahead of the first game.
Fans are eager to see how the team performs under the new leadership and if they can reclaim their status as a competitive force in the Big Ten.
With training camp in full swing, the team aims to build chemistry and cohesion before the season kicks off.