Big Ten football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Nittany Lions get better?
By Josh Yourish
Penn State. . Last Year: 10-3 Peach Bowl L. . 3. . . 491. . Head Coach: James Franklin
Key losses: Olu Fashanu, Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac Key additions: Julian Fleming, Jalen Kimber
With all the change in the conference, Penn State is in a familiar spot, sitting third behind two national championship contenders. Now, it’s not Michigan in the way, Oregon has replaced the Wolverines, but it still leaves the Nittany Lions in a frustrating spot.
Penn State added Julian Fleming to supplement a wide receiver room that desperately needed an upgrade, but an Ohio State castoff isn’t going to be enough to elevate James Franklin’s team to the top of the Big Ten unless Drew Allar finally realizes all of his potential. The season hinges heavily on Allar’s play in new offensive coordinator, Andy Kotelnicki’s offense and the production of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield.
On defense, Penn State lost Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac on the edge, but might have actually upgraded by moving Abdul Carter to defensive end.