Penn State is one of the top four favorites to win the 2026 College Football Playoff, according to FanDuel. To do so, it will have to win two more games than it did during the 2024 season, when it lost to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals. Will it do so? One site thinks so. That opinion headlines today’s newsstand.
College Football Network projects that the Nittany Lions will be the five-seed in the 12-team field. It predicts that head coach James Franklin’s team will knock out No. 12 UNLV in a first-round home game before taking out No. 4 Kansas State in a neutral-site quarterfinal round matchup. From there, the site predicts a Penn State upset over No. 1 Ohio State in the semifinals. That sets up a CFP title game showdown with No. 3 Clemson.
“This matchup is everything a college football fan could want — Klubnik vs. Allar,” CFN wrties. “Both will have risen up draft boards and could even be considered the top two QBs in the 2026 draft. While Klubnik will add another outstanding playoff performance to his resume, the physicality and running game of the Nittany Lions will be the headliner of this one. Clemson is no slouch along the defensive line, trotting out EDGE T.J. Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods. Despite that, Penn State and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will have answers on the interior.
“Sprinkle in a few connections down the sideline from Allar to Pena, and the Nittany Lions will claim the program’s first national championship since 1986, capping off a storybook season and storybook careers for Allar, Singleton, and Allen.”
Headlines of the day
One question, thought, and concern about the Penn State defensive line after spring ball: Pickel, BWI
Drew Allar Says Penn State’s Football ‘Culture’ Has Reduced Transfer Transience: Wogenrich, SI
Penn State post-spring thought, concern, prediction for the Lions quarterbacks: Pickel, BWI
Potential blueprints for 2025 Penn State offense based on recent national champions: Horstman, Daily Collegian
What will Penn State football look to accomplish in May? Here’s a rundown: Pickel, BWI
Penn State’s culture and tradition continues to excite touted DL Brian Harris: Wiltfong, On3
Quote of the day
“One of my favorite things about Penn State is the culture. It’s really built around development, tradition and toughness.
“The coaching staff shows a lot of love, and you can tell they take pride in building their players the right way. I also like how the fans support the program heavy, that energy is different.”
Class of 2026 DL Brian Harris to On3 about PSU.
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