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On Tuesday a group of media representatives picked Harvard football to top the Ivy League—but just barely.

In an annual pundit poll, the three-peat champions edged Penn by a score of 126 points to 119. However, the Quakers garnered more first-place votes (nine) than the Crimson (seven).

Last season Harvard shared the conference title with Penn and Dartmouth, the first three-way tie since 1982. While the Crimson and the Big Green graduated starting quarterbacks and most of their defenses, the Quakers preserved a more substantial core, including play caller Alek Torgersen and breakout receiver Justin Watson.

Given the talent that Penn returns, Harvard’s retention of top-dog status signals confidence in coach Tim Murphy’s ability to wring excellence from a new lineup.

As usual, though, the field of contenders extends beyond two. The Ancient Eight may not be as evenly balanced as last year’s tripod, but talent sparkles throughout the conference.

Harvard, 126 points (seven first-place votes)

Last year the Crimson graduated a staggering array of talent—15 starters, nine first-team All-Ivy players, four NFL signees, three starting linebackers, and an All-Ivy quarterback.

The most glaring challenge in 2016, then, is to escape the shadow of what Murphy has called “arguably the most successful senior class in Harvard football history.”

Captain and fifth-year senior Sean Ahern will provide constancy at cornerback, but he’ll play alongside a renovated secondary and a fresh trio of starting linebackers.

Offensively senior Joe Viviano and sophomore Tommy Stewart are battling for the top quarterback spot. Last preseason Viviano broke his left foot, and he broke his right one during winter workouts; the injuries gave Stewart a chance to move up the depth chart, creating the current competition.

Certainly the Crimson returns key contributors—senior tight end Anthony Firkser and sophomore wide receiver Justice Shelton-Mosley will headline the aerial attack, while junior Larry Allen Jr. and senior Max Rich will anchor the offensive line.

But as training camp dawns, Harvard faces as many questions as answers.

“We’re used to setting the bar high, but this group [from 2015] was really special,” Murphy said. “To lose that nucleus…is a little bit daunting and certainly unprecedented for us.”

Penn, 119 points (nine first-place votes)