Penn State football earns No. 1 spot in another post-spring top 25

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt is no longer on an island when it comes to calling Penn State the nation’s No. 1 team after spring practices wrapped up across the country. Some critics suggested that the fact that his employer owns the biggest share of the Big Ten’s massive media rights deal played a role in the color commentator’s decision to put the Lions in the top spot. Right or wrong, that case will not pass muster when it comes to critiquing ESPN’s, which is the biggest SEC television rights holder, second way-too-early top 25 of the year.

Longtime college football reporter Mark Schlabach moved the Lions up three spots from his first version to No. 1 on Thursday.

“After finally turning the corner under coach James Franklin in 2024, the Nittany Lions look loaded for bear this coming season,” Schlabach writes. “With [Drew] Allar, [Kaytron] Allen, and [Nick] Singleton returning, Penn State should have one of the most balanced offenses in the FBS, especially if Allar takes the next step as a downfield passer. Adding [Trebor] Pena, [Devonte] Ross, and [Kyron] Hudson was critical; Penn State’s receivers didn’t have a reception in a 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl. Pena, a slot receiver, had 84 catches for 941 yards with nine scores in 2024.

“Ross was one of the top receivers in the portal after hauling in 76 passes for 1,043 yards with 11 scores last season. Penn State’s most important offseason addition might be new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who helped guide Ohio State to a CFP national title last season. He’s the highest-paid coordinator in the FBS at $3.1 million per season.”

More: Where is Penn State in a consensus post-spring top-25?

Penn State’s ascension to No. 1 was part of a major reshuffling in ESPN’s latest rankings. Clemson (previously No. 7), Texas (2), Georgia (5), and Ohio State (1) now occupy the Nos. 2-5 spots, respectively. As for the teams the Lions will face this fall who made the cut besides the Buckeyes, Oregon checks in at No. 8, down from No. 6 in the first set of the outlet’s rankings, while Indiana held firm at No. 17.

High expectations continue to build for the Lions following a strong roster retention effort in January, in addition to a very good effort in the transfer portal, along with the hiring of Jim Knowles, who is now the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.

Penn State opens the 2025 season opposite Nevada on Aug. 30.