Where does Penn State rank in the preseason Associated Press Poll?
Penn State has high expectations heading into the 2024 season, and that was once again evident on Monday afternoon following the release of the preseason Associated Press Poll. Last week, the Coaches Poll placed the Nittany Lions at No. 9 nationally to start the season. Now, the AP Poll has James Franklin’s squad ranked one spot higher at No. 8 to start the 2024 season.
This season is full of major changes, but one thing that hasn’t changed is Ohio State’s stature in the Big Ten conference, as the Buckeyes will start the year at No. 2 overall. Ohio State received 15 first-place votes, which puts them just behind Georgia. Kirby Smart’s team is ranked No. 1 nationally, earning 46 first-place votes.
But the Big Ten’s newest members are also represented, with Oregon ranked at No. 3 overall and USC coming in at No. 23. You’ll also find Michigan at No. 9 and Iowa at No. 25.
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The SEC will begin the season with the most teams inside the Top 25 with eight schools making the cut. That includes four of the nation’s top six programs, as Texas (No. 4), Alabama (No. 5) and Ole Miss (No. 6) joined Georgia among the Top 10 schools to start the season.
Since the Nittany Lions don’t play Oregon, Michigan or Iowa this upcoming season, that leaves only Ohio State and USC as preseason opponents who rank in the poll. However, it should be noted that this year’s season-opening opponent, West Virginia, is among the schools receiving votes. Both Washington and Wisconsin also received some votes.
Penn State fans can check out the complete preseason Associated Press Poll below.
Associated Press Poll – Preseason (Aug. 12)
1) Georgia
2) Ohio State
3) Oregon
4) Texas
5) Alabama
6) Ole Miss
7) Notre Dame
8) Penn State
9) Michigan
10) Florida State
11) Missouri
12) Utah
13) LSU
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14) Clemson
15) Tennessee
16) Oklahoma
17) Oklahoma State
18) Kansas State
19) Miami
20) Texas A&M
21) Arizona
22) Kansas
23) USC
24) N.C. State
25) Iowa
Others Receiving Votes: Louisville 111, Virginia Tech 77, Boise St. 47, SMU 33, Iowa St. 33, Liberty 32, Washington 23, West Virginia 17, Memphis 16, Nebraska 16, Wisconsin 15, UTSA 6, Tulane 5, Appalachian St. 4, Kentucky 3, Auburn 2, Colorado 1.
