Penn State Ranked No. 11 In Way-Too-Early 2018 Top 25 Rankings
Penn State is ranked No. 11 in ESPN.com‘s way-too-early 2018 Top 25 rankings for 2018 by Mark Schlabach. The Nittany Lions check in behind a top ten that features three Big Ten teams ahead of them – No. 3 Ohio State, No. 6 Wisconsin, and No. 9 Michigan State.
Schlabach explains his reasoning behind Penn State’s position in the poll well, noting that the Blue and White have to replace Saquon Barkley, Joe Moorhead, and eight defensive starters. Not to mention the fact that Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin all appear on the 2018 slate.
However, Schlabach notes that all but the Michigan game will take place in Beaver Stadium.
Schlabach finishes his quick outlook on the 2018 Nittany Lions by touching on the potential shown by new offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne. With Trace McSorley matched up with Rahne and a plethora of experienced skill position players around him, Schlabach thinks he might be a darkhorse Heisman contender.
Last year, Schlabach ranked Penn State at No. 4, ahead of Ohio State, Clemson, and Wisconsin. The ESPN writer also correctly predicted Alabama as this season’s national champion.
Michigan is the only other Big Ten school featured in the poll, coming in at No. 13.
Joe Moorhead’s Mississippi State Bulldogs garnered some love of their own, as the SEC West squad locked up the No. 19 ranking. That sits good enough for fourth overall in the SEC.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Reflections & Memories From Happy Valley: Ishaan Kalani’s Senior Column
“Penn State has been more than just a place of academic pursuit for me. It’s been a melting pot of experiences, lasting friendships, and personal growth.”
Penn State Alum Tommy Viola Taking Lifelong Love For Baseball Into Minor League Role
“I’m living my dream. All I ever wanted to do was work in baseball.”
Matt McGloin Advocating For Students, Honoring Paterno Family Legacy In Board Of Trustees Campaign
“Where I’m at today in life and all that I have is because I had the opportunity to be a student-athlete at Penn State University. For me, this is how I give back to school that’s given me so much.”
Learning To Live With Yourself: Mitch Stewart’s Senior Column
Once described as a “Penn State student outlet whore,” Mitch talks about the many ups and downs of his unforgettable four years at Penn State, and how they’ve shaped him.