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Greg McElroy makes case for Penn State to be preseason No. 1 in 2025

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

Greg McElroy believes there’s a case to be made for Penn State as the preseason No. 1 team in the country to start the 2025 season.

McElroy spoke about the Nittany Lions during the latest episode of the Always College Football podcast.

“The Penn State Nittany Lions have as few questions as anybody,” McElroy said. “Last year was a breakthrough year for James Franklin and company. Very few teams return as much proven commodities as the Nittany Lions. And the rich got richer with some of the offseason additions.

“Are there a few pieces to replace? Absolutely. Are they going to be as good along the front without Abdul Carter? Probably not … The other thing we’ve got to figure out is who is going to step up to replace the All-American tight end Tyler Warren. And if you ask the Penn State staff, they feel great about their young players at tight end.”

McElroy also highlighted the return of quarterback Drew Allar was well as the addition of some key transfer portal pieces.

“I love Penn State this year,” McElroy said. “There’s a very solid argument to be made on their behalf to be the No. 1 team in the country coming into the season next year.”

If you look to the betting markets, Penn State has a regular-season win total of 10.5, according to ESPN BET. That would have the Nittany Lions in position to reach the College Football Playoff for a 2nd consecutive year. Penn State is currently +750 to win it all, which puts it tied for 4th in National Championship odds with Oregon. Only Ohio State, Georgia and Texas have better odds as of publication.

The preseason AP Top 25 will come out later this summer.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.