After defeating Washington in the Fiesta Bowl in December, the AP Poll ranked Penn State at No. 8 to finish the season. This is Penn State’s second consecutive year finishing in the top ten after finishing at No. 7 following last season’s Rose Bowl loss. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson rounded out the top four, followed by Ohio State, UCF, and Wisconsin.

The Nittany Lions had key wins over Northwestern, Michigan, and Washington, but were unable to finish out games on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State, losing by a combined point total of four points.

Penn State looks prime to start next season ranked in the top ten despite losing key players like Saquon Barkley, Marcus Allen, Jason Cabinda, and others. Trace McSorley will be one of the early Heisman candidates and will look to lead this team in the absence of Saquon Barkley.

The Nittany Lions open their 2018 schedule at home on September 1 against Appalachian State.