Can Penn State still make the College Football Playoff?

Yes, Penn State can still make the College Football Playoff, but they will need to win their upcoming games against Ohio State and Indiana. Their offense has struggled so far, so they will need to improve to compete with the top teams.

How did Vanderbilt's 5-0 start surprise the college football world?

Vanderbilt, an academic school known more for its spoiler potential than championship contention, has started the 2025 season with a shocking 5-0 record. This is only the second time in 80 years that the Commodores have achieved a 5-0 start, and they have scored at least 30 points in all five wins, their longest single-season streak since joining the SEC in 1948.

What makes Texas Tech a surprise contender in the Big 12 playoff race?

Texas Tech, the undefeated Red Raiders, were ranked No. 13 in the latest playoff projection and are in position to be the Big 12's representative in the playoff. With their best win coming against Utah on September 20, the Red Raiders have multiple chances to enhance their résumé and play their way into the top 12 if they can remain undefeated during the regular season.

Home / Sports / Penn State Drops Out of Playoff Projection, Faces Uphill Battle

Penn State Drops Out of Playoff Projection, Faces Uphill Battle

30 Sep

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Summary

Penn State drops to No. 12 in latest playoff projection
Needs wins against Ohio State and Indiana to stay in playoff race
Offense has struggled even against weaker competition

Penn State Drops Out of Playoff Projection, Faces Uphill Battle

On September 30, 2025, the latest College Football Playoff projection saw Penn State drop out of the top 12, landing at the dreaded No. 12 spot. This means the Nittany Lions would be replaced by the fourth and fifth conference champions if the playoff were to be seeded today.

Penn State's double-overtime loss to Oregon last Saturday has put them firmly on the playoff bubble. The team now faces immense pressure to win at Ohio State on November 1 and against Indiana on November 8 to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, the Nittany Lions' offense has struggled to impress, even against weaker competition, raising doubts about their ability to compete with the top teams.

According to ESPN's Allstate Playoff Predictor, Penn State now has just a 22.5% chance of reaching the College Football Playoff, ranking 19th in the country. The selection committee will be closely watching to see if the Nittany Lions can turn things around and earn a signature win against Ohio State or Indiana. Failure to do so could mean Penn State misses the playoff entirely, despite a potential 10-2 record.

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