Penn State opens 2026 ranked No. 17 in Coaches Poll

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Penn State is ranked No. 17 in the preseason Coaches Poll released Aug. 4, a significant drop from its No. 3 ranking a year ago, reflecting more muted expectations for the 2026 season. The Nittany Lions received 463 voting points, placing sixth among eight Big Ten teams in the top 25 and well behind No. 16 Michigan. Head coach Matt Campbell brought in 55 new players, including 40 transfers, with as many as 15 potentially starting in the Sept. 5 opener against Marshall. Penn State's schedule offers a favorable path, as it avoids top-ranked Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon, and No. 6 Indiana. The highest-ranked opponent is No. 14 USC, and the team faces no regular-season opponent that won 10 games in 2025.


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Penn State opens 2026 ranked No. 17 in Coaches Poll | News Minimalist