Penn State Climbed to No. 14 in Coaches Poll
The Nittany Lions improved their standing in the latest Coaches Poll after securing a 3-0 record.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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Following a dominant 55-13 victory over Buffalo, Penn State rose from No. 15 to No. 14 in the latest Coaches Poll. The team remains undefeated with a 3-0 record through three weeks of play.
Why it matters
Penn State moved up in the national rankings due to its recent performance and the losses of several teams previously ranked higher. This shift improves their position as the program looks toward major upcoming matchups.
Penn State holds a 3-0 record following a 55-13 win over Buffalo. The team is currently ranked 14th in the Coaches Poll, benefiting from other teams losing, including Texas A&M's 31-21 loss to Kentucky.
The players
Penn State
Penn State is a major college football program currently holding an undefeated 3-0 record.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a collegiate football team that recently lost to Penn State 55-13.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a ranked college football program that dropped 12 spots after a loss to Kentucky.
USC
USC is a ranked college football program scheduled to play Penn State in a high-profile game.
LSU
LSU is a ranked college football program preparing for an upcoming game against Texas A&M.
The details
Penn State rose one spot in the poll while Texas A&M dropped 12 places following its defeat. The Nittany Lions are preparing to host USC at Beaver Stadium for the annual White Out game in three weeks.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Penn State rank updated in Week 3 Coaches Poll.
September 27, 2026: Texas A&M plays LSU.
October 11, 2026: USC plays Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This ranking improvement helps Penn State consolidate its position ahead of the upcoming White Out game at Beaver Stadium. The team is now looking to maintain its momentum as it faces high-ranked opponents later in the schedule.
Penn State sits at 3-0, creating a significant buildup for the October 11 White Out game against USC. Texas A&M's 12-spot drop shifts the expectations for their upcoming September 27 matchup against LSU.
The takeaway
Maintaining an undefeated record early in the season is critical for climbing the national rankings. Fans and analysts should continue monitoring how losses by other ranked teams impact the weekly poll hierarchy.
What happens next
Penn State will face USC at Beaver Stadium for the White Out game on October 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit the Football section.
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