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Penn State continues to fall on ESPN’s Football Power Index

Penn State’s once-promising College Football Playoff hopes have evaporated as the Nittany Lions continue to plummet in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). Once considered a near-consensus playoff contender, the team now faces projections that place them on the outside of bowl-game consideration entirely, underscoring a steep decline in expectations.

Their recent 26-10 loss to Michigan on Saturday—part of a chaotic week in college football—further accelerated their downward trajectory, with the Wolverines capitalizing on the opportunity to climb in the rankings themselves. Meanwhile, Ohio State, another Big Ten powerhouse, seized the top spot in the latest FPI update after defeating Indiana, while Kentucky, despite a 6-1 record and SEC lead, remains ranked surprisingly low by the index.

The volatility of the rankings reflects a broader shift in the playoff race, with even Alabama taking a significant hit after a 26-10 loss to Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. The data-driven FPI continues to deliver harsh reality checks, leaving teams like Iowa—who sat idle on a bye week—also sliding in the rankings despite inactivity.

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