Penn State ranked outside top 10 in first College Football Playoff rankings of season

The first College Football Playoff rankings have been unveiled and Penn State has been ranked outside the top 10. The Nittany Lions came in at No. 11 in the initial rankings, which will be unveiled weekly the rest of the season.

The ranking means they’re the third-highest ranked Big Ten team behind only Michigan — coming in at No. 3 — and Ohio State — coming in at No. 1.

Penn State already had its opportunity against the Buckeyes, losing 20-12 in Columbus on Oct. 22, but will get its crack against the Wolverines next week in Beaver Stadium.

Those were the only three Big Ten schools that were ranked in the initial rankings.

The Nittany Lions are currently 7-1 and do not have a win over a ranked opponent, with neither Iowa or West Virginia — their best wins — earning a spot in the initial rankings. As things stand, Michigan is the only ranked team left on the schedule for Penn State.

Here is the first 2023 edition of the College Football Playoff rankings in full:

1. Ohio State

2. Georgia

3. Michigan

4. Florida State

5. Washington

6. Oregon

7. Texas

8. Alabama

9. Oklahoma

10. Ole Miss

11. Penn State

12. Missouri

13. Louisville

14. LSU

15. Notre Dame

16. Oregon State

17. Tennessee

18. Utah

19. UCLA

20. USC

21. Kansas

22. Oklahoma State

23. Kansas State

24. Tulane

25. Air Force