Our preseason power rankings continue with a look at teams I have ranked No. 28-25.
This issue features in-depth looks at Miami, Penn State, Minnesota, and Ohio State.
Remember, you can follow along with my complete national preseason power rankings at the link below, which also includes a conference-by-conference breakdown.
No. 20 Penn State
Last Season
Record: 21-13-2
NPI: 9th (55.36)
League Finish: 3rd/7
2026-27 Projection
NPI: 20th (52.91)
League Finish: 6th/7th
Ranking Tier: 4th/9
Storylines
— The Nittany Lions are coming off back-to-back 20+ win seasons, marking the first time that’s happened for the progrma since 2018-20. Penn State is also looking for its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance, which would be the longest streak in the program’s young history.
— There will be a lot of new faces this season, with several of last year’s top players either signing pro deals or transferring.
Roster Breakdown
Top 378 Forwards
F1 denotes first-line ranking (No. 1 - No. 189)
F2 denotes second-line ranking (No. 190 - No. 378)
Justin Poirier, Soph., F1
Resse Laubach, Sr., F1
Dane Dowiak, Sr., F2
Luke Misa, Soph., F2
Marco Mignoas, Frosh., F2
Shea Busch, Frosh, F2
Top 252 Defensemen
D1 denotes first-pair ranking (No. 1 - No. 126)
D2 denotes second-pair ranking (No. 127 - No. 252)
Jackson Smith, Soph., D1
Mac Gadowsky, Sr., D2
Projected Starting Goaltender
Joshua Fleming, Soph., 2.61/.924, +0.78 xGa+/60
Ryder Fetterolf, Frosh., 2.07/.923 in the OHL last season
Penn State’s forward group has some high-end talent at the top of the lineup with Justin Poirier and senior Reese Laubach.
Poirier might be the most naturally skilled player on the team, and the Nittany Lions are also bringing in several freshmen who could add another layer of scoring in the middle six. That goes beyond just Marco Mignosa and Shea Busc, who I have listed among the top options.
The defense looks a little thin.
