Penn State, James Franklin claim top-two spots in USA Today Big Ten coaches rankings, post-spring top 25
USA Today has a pair of new college football rankings out. They headline today’s newsstand. And, Penn State and James Franklin fare well in both. The Nittany Lions sit at No. 2 in the outlet’s post-spring top 25. They are behind only Ohio State. The teams meet on Nov. 1 in Columbus. Texas, Georgia, and Clemson round out the top five in that order.
“In QB Drew Allar and RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, three linchpins of the Nittany Lions’ offense are set to return,” Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith write. “While Penn State will lose star TE Tyler Warren, help is on the way at receiver in transfers Kyron Hudson (Southern California) and Devonte Ross (Troy).
“Defensively, the Nittany Lions lose edge rusher Abdul Carter but return senior Dani Dennis-Sutton, a likely preseason All-America pick. The expectations are that Penn State will again be right near the top of the Big Ten.”
The list of Penn State’s 2025 opponents who made the top 25 includes Oregon at No. 8 and Nebraska at No. 22.
In somewhat related news, the outlet also has new Big Ten coaches rankings out. Franklin is No. 2 behind only the Buckeyes’ Ryan Day.
“A national championship ring continues to escape Franklin and the Nittany Lions, though last year’s team came within a few plays against Notre Dame of meeting Ohio State in the title game,” Myerberg writes. “While detractors will focus on what he isn’t, Franklin has brought Penn State back to national prominence and crafted a Hall of Fame-worthy career.”
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Headlines of the day
Trimmings: Spring reviews on Penn State’s true freshmen on defense: Fitz, BWI
Which Penn State defender is a 2025 PFF preseason All-American?: Pickel, BWI
4-star CB Camren Hamiel has four official visits locked in and they start this weekend: Simmons, On3
‘Ultimate Penn State guy,’ Dom DeLuca leads linebackers through spring transition: Bauer, BWI
What did we learn about Penn State’s recruiting efforts during spring practice?: Snyder, BWI
The ownership group behind On3 acquires Rivals and forges partnership with Yahoo Sports: On3
Quote of the day
“He’s the old man in the room. It’s a young room. Having his experience, and not only his experience, but his path to where he’s gotten.
“When I first got here, he was a safety. He converted to a linebacker. Walk-on and was trying to figure his way through. And then he turns himself into a guy who is making pick-sixes in the playoffs. It’s the most unbelievable story you’ve ever heard.”
PSU LB coach Dan Connor on Dom DeLuca.
