The award is annually given to college football's most outstanding linebacker.
Penn State moved up one spot from its previous ranking of No. 8, which the team had held for three consecutive weeks.
The Nittany Lions haven't received votes in the AP Top 25 poll since February 2018.
As 2019 regular season play is nearing its end, a handful of former Penn State football players are making contributions on the field with their new teams.
Like last weekend, college football analysts foresee Penn State playing in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day against various SEC opponents.