Penn State Finishes 16th in 2024–25 Directors’ Cup Standings, Highlighting All-Around Athletic Excellence
Penn State capped off an impressive 2024–25 athletic year by finishing 16th overall in the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings, a national ranking that measures the success of college athletic programs across all NCAA-sanctioned sports. The Nittany Lions earned 893 total points, bolstered by deep postseason runs and multiple national championships.
Leading the charge was Penn State Wrestling, which once again claimed the national title, continuing its dynasty under head coach Cael Sanderson. The women’s volleyball team also delivered a banner season, bringing home a national championship and adding to the school’s storied volleyball legacy.
Other standout performances included the men’s lacrosse team, which reached the NCAA semifinals, and the men’s hockey team, which made its first-ever Frozen Four appearance after a historic turnaround in Big Ten play. The football team, too, made a strong showing, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals and proving Penn State’s standing among the nation’s elite.
However, Penn State’s spring sports performance dipped, producing just 143 points—the lowest spring total among top-20 schools. Despite that, the university maintained its position as one of the nation’s top all-around athletic programs.
Athletic Director Pat Kraft praised the year’s achievements, highlighting the balance between championship programs and rising teams that are beginning to compete on the national stage.
“Our student-athletes continue to raise the standard, and we’re proud of the way they represent Penn State on and off the field,” Kraft said.
Penn State’s 16th-place finish reinforces the school’s status as a national athletic powerhouse, not just in football or wrestling, but across a broad range of sports. With continued investment and growing momentum, the Nittany Lions look poised to climb even higher in the years ahead.
