Topics

More

Five Nittany Lions Land In Preseason College Top247

Five Penn State standouts were recognized by 247Sports in its preseason ranking of the best college football players Wednesday.

Saquon Barkley (No. 8), Marcus Allen (No. 80), Mike Gesicki (No. 99), Trace McSorley (No. 122), and Jason Cabinda (No. 196) each landed in the Top247.

Reigning Heisman winner Lamar Jackson took the top spot, while Barkley barely edged out LSU star Derrius Guice (No. 10) for the laurels of America’s premier running back. He’s also the highest-rated player in the Big Ten, beating Michigan defensive tackles Maurice Hurst (No. 22) and Rashan Gary (No. 24). The first 32 players on the list received five-star status.

McSorley is considered the 15th-best quarterback in college football and the conference’s second signal caller behind Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett. McSorley and Barkley are already seen as favorites for the Heisman Trophy.

Gesicki is the second-overall tight end in the nation, with South Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert being ranked slightly better. Former Nittany Lion Adam Breneman checks in at No. 4 for UMass. Fresh off a team-high 110-tackle season, Allen is ranked as the sixth-best player at his position in college football. Only Northwestern’s Godwin Igwebuike is rated higher among Big Ten safeties.

 

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at [email protected].

Josh Reed Returns To Penn State Hoops With Fifth Year Of Eligibility

Reed averaged the third most points per game on the team last season with 11.5.

Penn State Football Center Brock Riker Named To Rimington Trophy Watch List

Riker becomes the sixth Nittany Lion named to a preseason award watch list.

Saquon Barkley Named To 2026 NFL Top 100 Players List

Barkley was the No. 1 ranked player in 2025’s Top 100 list.

113kFollowers
69.5kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Ethan

Thanks For The Memories: Ethan Kasales’ Senior Column

Onward State staffer Ethan Kasales reflects on the past few years and everyone who helped make his college experience so rewarding.

Four-Star Defensive Tackle D’Von Ellies Commits To Penn State

Three-Star Defensive End Smith Vilbert Commits To Penn State