Penn State ranked 18th in preseason AP Poll ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 11:24 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026

The 2026 college football preseason AP Poll places Penn State at No. 18. This ranking follows a disappointing 2025 season, which the team hopes to leave behind. The Nittany Lions avoided scheduled matchups against top-ranked teams Ohio State and Oregon, presenting potential opportunities for success. They are set to open their season against Marshall next month.
- •Penn State finished 2025 with struggles after their 2024 playoff appearance.
- •The team is ranked 18th in the AP Poll released on August 17, 2026.
- •They avoided top teams Ohio State and Oregon in their schedule.
- •The Nittany Lions will face Marshall in their season opener next month.
- 11:24 PMYahoo Sports — Penn State’s 2025 woes erased after preseason AP Poll results
"The preseason AP Poll has finally been released, and it features a team that struggled mightily in 2025.
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