Penn State earns number 16 ranking on ESPN Football Power Index

Penn State enters the 2026 college football season ranked 16th in the country according to ESPN’s initial Football Power Index. The Nittany Lions hold an index score of 13.7, placing them one spot higher than their position in the current preseason AP Poll. While the team holds a 22.8% probability of qualifying for the College Football Playoff, they are projected at a 4.6% chance to win the Big Ten. The current index ranks Penn State behind four conference rivals: Oregon, Ohio State, Indiana, and Michigan. The Nittany Lions have a clear path to improve their standing throughout the season, with a significant matchup against Wisconsin scheduled for Week 4. Later in the year, the team faces additional tests against Michigan and USC that will influence their ultimate ranking and playoff prospects.

• 11:58 PMYahoo Sports — Where Penn State lands on ESPN’s FPI ahead of Week 1