Penn State Tops Major Big Football Preseason Poll for First time

The landscape of Big Ten football has shifted, at least in the eyes of the media, as the Penn State Nittany Lions have claimed the top spot in the annual Cleveland.com Big Ten Football Preseason Poll. This marks an unprecedented moment for the program, as it's the first time in the poll's history that Penn State has entered a season as the conference's projected frontrunner, signaling a significant shift in perception and expectation for James Franklin's squad.

For years, the Big Ten's preseason narrative has largely revolved around the perennial dominance of the Ohio State Buckeyes, often with Michigan close behind. However, a confluence of factors has propelled the Nittany Lions into this unaccustomed position. A strong finish to the previous season, culminating in a resounding Rose Bowl victory, coupled with the return of a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, has clearly resonated with the 36 Big Ten beat writers who cast their votes. Quarterback Drew Allar, entering his sophomore year, is widely expected to elevate the passing game, complementing an already formidable ground attack led by dynamic running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Defensively, the Nittany Lions boast a deep and experienced unit, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary, promising a stifling presence against conference foes.