The 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll has been released, and Penn State will begin the Matt Campbell era with a spot in the national rankings.
The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 17 in the annual preseason poll, giving Campbell a ranked team entering his first season as Penn State’s head coach. Campbell takes over a program looking to build on its tradition while ushering in a new era in Happy Valley.
Campbell also becomes the first first-year head coach in Penn State history to inherit a team ranked in a preseason poll, another milestone as he prepares for his debut season.
The Big Ten is well represented in the rankings with eight teams earning spots in the preseason Top 25. Ohio State, the preseason No. 1 team, and No. 2 Oregon lead the conference, while defending national champion Indiana begins the season at No. 6.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.USC (No. 14), Michigan (No. 16), Washington (No. 19), and Iowa (No. 22) also represent the conference.
Penn State will face three ranked opponents during the regular season, traveling to Michigan and Washington while hosting USC at Beaver Stadium.
The No. 17 Nittany Lions officially open the Matt Campbell era on Sept. 5 when they host Marshall at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
