Penn State Holds No. 2 After 34-0 Win, Ohio State Remains No. 1

Penn State football remains ranked No. 2 in both the AP and coaches polls following their 34-0 win over Florida International University (FIU), with Ohio State holding the No. 1 spot after a 70-0 victory over Grambling. Despite a sluggish start against FIU, Penn State coach James Franklin acknowledged execution issues early in the game but expressed confidence as the team prepares for a key upcoming matchup against No. 4 Oregon on September 27. Defensive tackles Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr. have notably contributed to the team's defensive strength, each recording interceptions early in the season. Oregon's recent performance, including a 69-3 win over Oklahoma State, has elevated them to No. 5, setting the stage for a highly anticipated top-five contest with Penn State. Meanwhile, Illinois is emerging as a dark horse in the Big Ten, climbing to No. 9 after a strong start. Penn State will face Villanova next before entering conference play, with the November 1 game versus Ohio State potentially marking the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup since 1987.