AP Top 25 Poll

#13 Penn State Nittany Lions

2024

Overall Record

10-3

Last Game

vs Ole Miss L 25-38

Conference Record

7-2

Next Game

@Ole Miss 12/30/2023

FILE - New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien watches warmups for the team's NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh. Ohio State is hiring O'Brien as its offensive coordinator, a person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday night, Jan. 18, 2024. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the hire still needed university approval, but an announcement was expected as soon as Friday. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File)

Ohio State hires Bill O’Brien, ex-Texans coach and Alabama assistant, as offensive coordinator

Ohio State confirmed it has hired former Houston Texans and Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins (4) runs into Penn State defensive end Jameial Lyons (19) during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Penn State defense overwhelmed by Ole Miss tempo and ‘too many moving parts’ in Peach Bowl loss

Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins (4) runs into Penn State defensive end Jameial Lyons (19) during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Dart leads No. 11 Ole Miss to 38-25 Peach Bowl rout of No. 10 Penn State’s proud defense

FILE - Penn State quarterback Drew Allar passes against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. Mississippi will play for the first 11-win season in school history when the Rebels of the Southeastern Conference, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, face Penn State, led by Allar, in the Peach Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Peach Bowl boasts playoff-caliber matchup between No. 10 Penn State and No. 11 Ole Miss

FILE - Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. The much-anticipated matchup in Saturday’s Peach Bowl is No. 10 Penn State’s top-ranked defense against No. 11 Mississippi’s up-tempo offense. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)

Big Ten’s No. 10 Penn State to have top-ranked defense tested by SEC’s No. 11 Ole Miss in Peach Bowl

More News

Penn State hires Justin Lustig away from Vanderbilt to coach special teams and two other positions

Justin Lustig has been hired to coach Penn State’s special teams and two other positions. Lustig was associate head coach and special teams coordinator at Vanderbilt the past two seasons.

FILE - Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. The much-anticipated matchup in Saturday’s Peach Bowl is No. 10 Penn State’s top-ranked defense against No. 11 Mississippi’s up-tempo offense. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)

Penn State’s proud defense braces for Peach Bowl test against up-tempo Ole Miss attack

The marquee matchup in Saturday’s Peach Bowl is No. 10 Penn State’s top-ranked defense against No. 11 Mississippi’s up-tempo offense.

FILE -Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin watches his players make a play against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin has agreed to a contract extension. Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter announced the agreement Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 but didn't disclose any details.(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

Penn State’s staff changes have Ole Miss coach Kiffin unsure what to expect in Peach Bowl

Penn State has new offensive and defensive coordinators as the No. 10 Nittany Lions prepare for Saturday’s Peach Bowl against No. 11 Mississippi.

FILE - Then-Purdue interim coach Gerad Parker stands with players before the team's NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 22, 2016. Troy hired Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker to be its next head coach on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Parker, 42, will replace Jon Sumrall, who left Troy earlier this month after two successful seasons to become head coach at Tulane. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

Interim coaches lead Troy and Duke into Birmingham Bowl with new leaders waiting in wings

Troy and Duke both enter the Birmingham Bowl in between coaching regimes. Both teams will be led by interim coaches in Saturday’s game after the Blue Devils lost Mike Elko to Texas A&M and the Trojans’ Jon Sumrall left for Tulane.

FILE -Pinnacle High School quarterback Dylan Raiola, the top prospect for the 2024 class, gestures after the crowd began to chant his name during a timeout in an NCAA college basketball game between Nebraska and Minnesota, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. Dylan Raiola of Buford, Georgia, the 247Sports composite's No. 6 overall prospect, is considered Nebraska's top recruit since national championship quarterback Tommie Frazier signed in 1992. Raiola had previously given pledges to Ohio State and Georgia, but the Huskers got his signature after he made an official visit last weekend.(Kenneth Ferriera/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

Big Ten Signing Day: Ohio State class ranked best in conference. Penn State, Michigan next in line

Ohio State hasn’t played in the Big Ten championship game in three years, but it remains the conference’s top program in recruiting.

FILE - Indiana head coach Tom Allen speaks during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days at Lucas Oil Stadium, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Indianapolis. Penn State has hired former Indiana coach Tom Allen as defensive coordinator. Nittany Lions coach James Franklin announced the hiring on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, to replace Manny Diaz, who left to take over the Duke program.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

Penn State hires ex-Indiana coach Tom Allen as defensive coordinator

Penn State has hired former Indiana coach Tom Allen as defensive coordinator. Nittany Lions coach James Franklin announced the hiring on Tuesday to replace Manny Diaz, who left to take over the Duke program.

Indiana head coach Tom Allen studies the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Penn State working to hire former Indiana coach Tom Allen as defensive coordinator, AP sources say

Penn State is working to complete a deal to make former Indiana coach Tom Allen its new defensive coordinator, two people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Boise State quarterback Taylen Green (10) dives over UNLV defensive back Quentin Moten (23) for a touchdown during the first half of the Mountain West championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Former Boise State QB Taylen Green transferring to Arkansas; Penn State lands Division II OT Herron

Former Boise State quarterback Taylen Green has announced he is transferring to Arkansas and Penn State received a commitment from transferring offensive tackle Alan Herron from Division II Shorter.

FILE -Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz coaches against Iowa during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa. Duke has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its head coach, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday night, Dec. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Duke is counting on Manny Diaz to add to the Blue Devils’ 2-year rise

Duke is counting on Manny Diaz to build off the Blue Devils’ two-year rise under Mike Elko. The school held its introductory news conference for Diaz Saturday.

FILE -Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz coaches against Iowa during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa. Duke has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its head coach, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday night, Dec. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Duke hires Penn State DC and ex-Miami coach Manny Diaz to lead Blue Devils

Duke has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its head coach. The school announced Diaz’s hiring on Thursday night and is finalizing plans for a news conference Saturday.

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) forces a fumble by Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Penn State DE Chop Robinson announces his intent to declare for NFL draft as underclassman

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson has decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft. Robinson made his announcement on his social media platforms.

Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) celebrates the team's win over Mississippi State in an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. The winners receive the Golden Egg trophy. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Penn State to face Ole Miss for first time in another Big Ten-SEC matchup for Peach Bowl

The Peach Bowl will have its second consecutive matchup of Southeastern Conference and Big Ten teams when Mississippi plays Penn State on Dec. 30.

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Ole Miss to face Penn State in SEC-Big Ten Peach Bowl matchup of 10-2 teams

No. 11 Mississippi will play No. 10 Penn State in the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl. The Rebels will make their second New Year’s Six bowl appearance in the last three seasons.

Penn State head coach James Franklin walks on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Penn State to hire Kansas’ Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator, AP source says

No. 10 Penn State is hiring Kansas’ Andy Kotelnicki as its offensive coordinator. That’s according to a person with direct knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Pres on condition of anonymity because details were being finalized and the hire still needed university approval.

Penn State wide receiver Omari Evans (5), defended by Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker (25), catches a pass to set up a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

No. 11 Penn State closes season with 42-0 win over Michigan State, awaits New Year’s Six bowl bid

Drew Allar threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns and Kaytron Allen ran for a career-high 137 yards, providing No. 11 Penn State with plenty of offense in a 42-0 win over Michigan State.

Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball after catching a pass as Florida linebacker Mannie Nunnery (34) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

College Football Picks: What if there was a 12-team playoff this season? Triple the contenders

If this was next year and the College Football Playoff had already expanded from four teams to 12, games involving No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 12 Mississippi, No. 11 Penn State and No. 10 Missouri would be a lot more interesting.

Michigan State tight end Maliq Carr (6) runs into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

No. 11 Penn State has plenty to play for in regular-season finale against Michigan State

No. 11 Penn State has plenty to play for when it faces injury-riddled Michigan State on Friday in the regular-season finale at Ford Field in Detroit.

Michigan State tight end Maliq Carr (6) runs into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Quarterback Allar expected to play when No. 11 Penn State faces Michigan State

Quarterback Drew Allar is expected to be ready and backup Beau Pribula will be part of the game plan Friday when No. 11 Penn State visits Michigan State in the regular-season finale at Ford Field in Detroit.

Rutgers defensive lineman Wesley Bailey (23) tackles Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

After Drew Allar goes out, No. 12 Penn State runs streak vs. Rutgers to 17 straight with 27-6 win

Kaytron Allen ran for two touchdowns, Alex Felkins kicked a pair of field goals and No. 12 Penn State pulled away from Rutgers after quarterback Drew Allar left with an apparent injury for a 27-6 victory.

No. 12 Penn State looking to extend its dominance over Rutgers

An ineffective offense last week against No. 2 Michigan ruined Penn State’s chance to play for a Big Ten championship and cost offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich his job.

Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore (8) pressures Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

No. 12 Penn State looking to rebound against improved Rutgers team

After a loss to No. 2 Michigan last week, No. 12 Penn State wraps up its home slate Saturday against Rutgers — a team the Nittany Lions (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten) have pushed around since the Scarlet Knights joined the Big Ten in 2014.

Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore (8) pressures Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Penn State fires offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich after another punchless big-game performance

Penn State has fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich one day after the Nittany Lions had another punchless performance against a highly ranked rival.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) scores a touchdown against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Allar bears brunt of No. 9 Penn State’s offensive struggles in loss to No. 2 Michigan

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar struggled during the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions’ 24-15 loss to No. 2 Michigan.

Michigan acting head coach Sherrone Moore celebrates a touchdown with tight end AJ Barner (89) during an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

No. 2 Michigan stays unbeaten as coach Harbaugh serves ban in 24-15 win over No. 9 Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — With Jim Harbaugh banned by the Big Ten Conference, J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum and No. 2 Michigan played unfazed by a scandal that has hounded the program for weeks — and their toughest opponent yet — grinding past No. 9 Penn State 24-15 Saturday.

Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) runs against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Without Jim Harbaugh, No. 2 Michigan grinds past No. 9 Penn State with 32 straight runs in 24-15 win

With coach Jim Harbaugh banned by the Big Ten Conference, J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum and No. 2 Michigan played unfazed by a scandal that has hounded the program for weeks and beat No. 9 Penn State 24-15.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches against Purdue in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan plays without coach Jim Harbaugh, beating Penn State after no court ruling to lift his ban

No. 2 Michigan played without coach Jim Harbaugh, beating No. 9 Penn State after a judge didn’t issue a ruling Saturday on the school’s attempt to temporarily lift the Big Ten Conference’s penalty against the Wolverines for a sign-stealing scheme.

Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac (20) sacks Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

College football’s top defenses to square off when No. 2 Michigan visits No. 9 Penn State

No. 9 Penn State looks to upstage Michigan’s top-ranked defense when the No. 2 Wolverines visit Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

No. 2 Michigan, No. 9 Penn State to meet in battle of dangerous defenses

Two of the country’s most balanced teams will meet in a game with massive Big Ten championship implications.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws against Purdue in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

No. 2 Michigan would clear a big obstacle in the Big Ten East race with a win at No. 9 Penn State

No. 2 Michigan takes a break from its sign-stealing saga and visits No. 9 Penn State in the game of the week in the Big Ten.

Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) celebrates a first-down reception against Purdue in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

College Football Picks: No. 2 Michigan visits No. 9 Penn State in its first test of the season

Finally, No. 2 Michigan gets a test. The Wolverines have stomped through the season, crushing opponents by 34 points per game, the best margin in the country.