The Penn State Nittany Lions finished the season with an 11-2 record, beating Washington in the Fiesta Bowl 35-28. With running back Saquon Barkley declaring for the NFL draft, Penn State's offense will have to lean on quarterback Trace McSorley. The Nittany Lions have one of the best-recruiting classes entering 2018 and will look to get back on top the Big 10. Here's how they rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
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Chat Sports
Ranking: 10th
Breakdown: "The Nittany Lions were just four points away from being undefeated in 2017, and while Saquon Barkley will be gone, Penn State has plenty of talented returners that figure to keep them near the top of the Big Ten, headlined by quarterback Trace McSorley."
USA TODAY
Ranking: 6th
Breakdown: "But the Buckeyes and Badgers are trailed closely by the Nittany Lions, who lose all-everything running back Saquon Barkley but will have a roster that matches up with almost any team in the country. Look for Trace McSorley to be a major factor in the Heisman Trophy race. "
ESPN
Ranking: 11th
Breakdown: "After struggling in his first two seasons as Penn State's coach, James Franklin has guided the Nittany Lions to 11-win seasons and New Year's Six bowl appearances in back-to-back seasons. Now the real work begins, as Penn State will have to replace Barkley, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead (now Mississippi State's head coach) and eight defensive starters. Passing game coordinator Ricky Rahne took over playcalling duties and had an impressive debut in a 35-28 win over Washington in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The Nittany Lions might rely on quarterback Trace McSorley even more next season, and he'll be one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates if he delivers. Penn State's schedule gets a little more difficult with games against Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin, but it will play all but the Wolverines in Happy Valley."
Sporting News:
Ranking: 10th
Breakdown: "The Nittany Lions were four points away over two games from an undefeated season. James Franklin continues to build through recruiting. Penn State, however, must deal with the loss of Saquon Barkley, along with finding a new offensive coordinator to replace Joe Moorhead. But we like running back Miles Sanders' breakout potential. How much pressure will that put on quarterback Trace McSorley if he returns?"
CBS
Ranking: 6th
Breakdown: "James Franklin has proved himself an elite coach winning 11 in back-to-back seasons. Yes, Saquon Barkley is gone, but there is another Heisman candidate in quarterback Trace McSorley. Watch linebacker Micah Parsons, the nation's No. 4 prospect, who enrolled at Penn State on Monday. "
Athlon Sports
Ranking: 11th
Breakdown: "After winning 14 games in his first two seasons at Penn State, coach James Franklin has guided the Nittany Lions to 22 victories and back-to-back trips to New Year’s Six Bowls. In order for Penn State to reach that level once again in 2018, Franklin’s team will have to fill a couple of voids, none bigger than at running back in replacing Saquon Barkley. Former five-star recruit Miles Sanders should be a standout performer at running back, but Barkley’s all-around big-play ability will be missed. With Barkley off to the NFL, the offense will lean a little more on quarterback Trace McSorley. As a junior in 2017, he completed 3,570 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 491 yards and 11 scores. McSorley’s receivers will look a little different, as DaeSean Hamilton (53 catches) and standout tight end Mike Gesicki have finished their eligibility. In addition to the personnel turnover, this unit will be under the direction of a new play-caller in Ricky Rahne after Joe Moorhead left to be the head coach at Mississippi State. The defense only gave up 4.77 yards a play in 2017, but coordinator Brent Pry will have some key players to replace. Linebacker Jason Cabinda, safety Marcus Allen and cornerback Grant Haley each expire their eligibility. The Nittany Lions should have a strong front with the return of Shareef Miller, Shaka Toney and Kevin Givens in the trenches. Additionally, cornerback John Reid is back after missing all of 2017 due to an injury suffered in the spring. Penn State has a road trip at Michigan but games against Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconsin take place in Happy Valley. "
Yahoo Sports
Ranking:7th
Breakdown: "Yeah, Saquon Barkley is off to the NFL but there’s a lot of talent returning for the Nittany Lions. Trace McSorley is back for his final season and has Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins to throw to. Miles Sanders should step in at running back. The biggest question for Penn State is on defense as the Nittany Lions need to replace eight starters. But Penn State should be in the mix for the Big Ten East again."
Sports Illustrated
Ranking: 7th
Breakdown: "Losing Barkley doesn’t help Penn State’s case, nor does the departure of offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, but the Nittany Lions still have a stout defense and lots of potential on the offensive side of the ball."
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