Can Oklahoma State Catch Penn State in the NCAA Team Race?
We like Penn State to win the team title, but Oklahoma State has the clearest chance to challenge that call.
Can Oklahoma State turn a distant chase into a title fight? Penn State has the strongest projected position, but the Cowboys give this poll its central question.
Why we favor Penn State
Penn State is our choice for the 2026-27 NCAA team title with 150 projected points. The gap to second stretches from that total down to Oklahoma State’s 124.5, a substantial cushion before the season begins.
We like Oklahoma State as the team most likely to close it. The Cowboys are the closest challenger in the projection, though catching Penn State would require outperforming that forecast.
Who can disrupt the chase?
Nebraska leads the remaining teams with 73 projected points. Our view: a title challenge from the Huskers would demand a much bigger departure from the preseason outlook.
Iowa at 67.5 and Virginia Tech at 64.5 offer alternative poll choices, followed by Stanford at 63. Ohio State projects at 51, with Minnesota at 45.
Do you trust Penn State’s cushion, believe Oklahoma State can close the gap, or expect another team to overturn the projection? Vote for your NCAA team champion.