Where is Penn State in USA Today’s post-spring top-25 rankings?

Many media members and analytic data systems saw Penn State as a top 10 team before spring practice began across the country. Now, with every team out of pads until preseason camp begins, the Lions are receiving similar or better praise than they were back in March.

USA Today released its post-spring top-25 this week. The Lions were No. 5 in the outlet’s rankings a couple of months ago. Now, they sit at No. 4 after swapping spots with Florida State.

“One area where Penn State has made huge gains in the past several seasons is on the offensive line, seemingly an area of concern throughout coach James Franklin’s tenure,” the USA Today team of Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith write. “Led by All-America left tackle Olu Fashanu, this year’s group has a case for being counted among the Big Ten’s best thanks to increased depth and experience.

“They’ll lead the way for a young but immensely gifted backfield with quarterback Drew Allar taking over for Sean Clifford and running back Nicholas Singleton ready to be one of the nation’s best. If Allar can meet his expectations, the Nittany Lions could be the best team in the Big Ten.”

Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama are the top three in USA Today’s latest rankings, respectively. With the Nittany Lions now at No. 4, the Seminoles currently sit at No. 5 and Ohio State at No. 6. Notre Dame, Clemson, Texas, and USC round out the top 10 in that order.

Sizing up Penn State and the Big Ten

As has almost always been the case, if Penn State wants to be the best team in the Big Ten, it will have to top at least one of Michigan and Ohio State and likely both.

The biggest question facing the Wolverines likely comes along the offensive line. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s team could have a transfer starter at a tackle spot and at center, however, three starters reutrn. But, otherwise, it returns loads of talent across the board.

As for the Buckeyes, they must pick a new starting quarterback, and a clear-cut answer was not found during spring practice.

Penn State, of course, is expected to start Drew Allar under center for the first time. It must pick a third receiver, first-team right tackle, and new starters on special teams, as well, among other spots.

“The coaches and the players, we have to be very intentional about what we do between now and West Virginia,” Lions coach James Franklin said. They need to have a personal plan. What do I need to get better at? What do I do well, [and] what do I need to work on to be a more complete player?

“We got to go through the tape from Spring and make all the cut ups so we get off the road from spring recruiting. We’ll go through the cut ups from spring ball. We’ll start to come up with what our identity is going to be now on offense, defense and special teams based off of what we did well this spring.”

Penn State opens the 2023 season opposite the Mountaineers on Sept. 2. The kickoff time is not out.

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