Is Penn State out of the top 25?

Penn State Drops Out of AP Top 25 After Stunning Loss

Just a few months after entering the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, Penn State has tumbled out of the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2022. The Nittany Lions’ fall from grace came swiftly following a disappointing loss to an unranked opponent, sealing their exit from college football’s elite rankings.

The latest AP poll, released on October 5, 2025, saw Miami surge back to No. 2, while both Penn State and preseason No. 1 Texas were left off the list entirely. It’s a rare and humbling moment for the Nittany Lions, who were once considered serious College Football Playoff contenders.

What went wrong? A combination of offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses in key moments doomed Penn State’s hopes early in the season. Their loss to a team outside the rankings proved to be the final straw for voters, who swiftly recalibrated their ballots.

Still, the season isn’t over. While dropping out of the Top 25 is a blow to their national profile, Penn State remains in a position to rebuild its reputation with strong performances in Big Ten play. Historically, teams that stumble early but regroup have still found paths to meaningful bowl games—and even playoff runs.

For now, though, the message is clear: college football waits for no one. Preseason rankings mean little once the games begin, and Penn State is learning that lesson the hard way. The road back won’t be easy, but the opportunity to regain respect—and perhaps re-enter the rankings—remains within reach.