For the first time since its inception in 2014, Penn State found itself in the College Football Playoff Rankings, checking in at No. 12 in the initial release on Tuesday night.

James Franklin’s Nittany Lions (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) made their long-awaited return to the AP Top 25 following a 24-21 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State. After running away from Purdue in the second half to the tune of 62-24 last Saturday, Penn State boosted its AP ranking to No. 20 in the nation.

Fellow Big Ten programs ranked inside the CFP Top 25 include: Michigan (No. 3), Ohio State (No. 6), Wisconsin (No. 8), and Nebraska (No. 10).

Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes took home the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014 thanks to wins over Alabama and Oregon. The Crimson Tide redeemed themselves the following year, knocking off Clemson for their fourth National Championship since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007. Michigan State is the only other Big Ten team to make the Playoff, but the Spartans were rolled 38-0 by Alabama in last year’s Cotton Bowl Semifinal.

About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at ethan@onwardstate.com.

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