Phil Steele Challenges Conventional Wisdom with Bold and Unorthodox 2025 College Football Rankings That Defy Traditional Powerhouse Expectations
Every summer, the world of college football eagerly awaits the release of Phil Steele’s annual college football preview. Widely regarded as one of the most detail-oriented analysts in the game, Steele’s previews are a staple for fans, coaches, and bettors alike. His 2025 college football rankings, however, have sparked more discussion than usual—not because they reaffirm the prevailing narrative, but because Steele has once again chosen to go against the grain.
At a time when many media outlets are predicting a familiar group of schools to dominate the college football landscape—Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, and Ohio State—Steele’s rankings paint a more unconventional picture. He doesn’t outright ignore the perennial powers, but he takes bold stances that diverge from consensus rankings. Some programs most experts have in the top five are notably lower on his list, while several rising teams, often overlooked by national pundits, have made surprising climbs into Steele’s top ten.
This willingness to challenge the consensus has always been Steele’s hallmark. His process involves months of meticulous research, interviews with coaches, analysis of returning production, depth charts, schedule strength, and even intangibles like team chemistry and locker room dynamics. For 2025, he’s placed particular emphasis on transfer portal impact, returning offensive line experience, and defensive continuity—three areas he believes will define the upcoming season more than ever before.
One of Steele’s most eye-catching decisions was ranking Washington State at No. 9—far higher than almost any other preseason ranking. Steele believes the Cougars have the ideal formula for 2025 success: an elite returning quarterback in Dominic Parsons, a veteran offensive line with 143 combined starts, and a defensive unit that returns 85% of its production. He also cites the underrated coaching acumen of head coach Kevin Daly and his aggressive, analytics-driven approach to game management. According to Steele, Washington State’s schedule, though challenging, features winnable key games at home that could allow them to make a serious run at the expanded College Football Playoff.
Conversely, Steele raised eyebrows by placing Michigan outside of his top ten—a dramatic drop for a program that made the CFP in each of the last three years. While most polls have Michigan firmly inside the top five based on their strong recruiting classes and recent success, Steele is cautious. He points to their massive losses on the offensive line, uncertainty at quarterback, and a brutal early-season schedule as key red flags. Additionally, Steele believes that the Wolverines’ new offensive coordinator, Josh Wynn, has yet to prove himself at the Power Five level.
Another bold call: Steele has Ole Miss at No. 6. While Lane Kiffin’s program has flirted with national contention over the past two seasons, most analysts have them pegged between 10–15 in preseason rankings. Steele disagrees, citing the Rebels’ electric offense led by junior quarterback Judd Murphy and a trio of NFL-caliber receivers. Just as importantly, he notes that their defense, often the team’s Achilles’ heel, has matured significantly. Steele describes their linebacker corps as “quietly one of the best in the SEC” and believes that defensive coordinator Rick Walters has finally molded the unit into a consistent force.
Perhaps no team benefits more from Steele’s analysis than Texas A&M. After years of underachieving despite top-tier talent, most preseason polls have left the Aggies out of the top 20 altogether. Steele, however, ranks them at No. 11. His reasoning? A vastly improved offensive line, a healthy and experienced quarterback in Drew Sanders, and a more favorable SEC schedule that avoids Georgia and includes four home games against top-25 teams. Steele is confident that new head coach Mike Elston, promoted after a brief stint as defensive coordinator, will bring a stabilizing force the program desperately needs.
But not all of Steele’s decisions are surprises. He still has Georgia in the top three—at No. 2, specifically—citing their unmatched roster depth and continuity in the coaching staff. Similarly, he has Florida State at No. 4, a nod to their explosive skill players and a defense anchored by All-American safety Marcus Battle. What separates Steele’s rankings from the rest is how he weighs flaws against potential. He doesn’t just see talent; he examines whether the talent is properly utilized and supported by scheme and situation.
Alabama, a mainstay in top-five rankings across the country, falls to No. 8 in Steele’s version. His rationale? The Crimson Tide are undergoing significant structural changes. First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is introducing a new offensive scheme, and while the roster remains elite, Steele isn’t convinced the transition will be seamless. He warns that Alabama might be a better team in November than September, but an early-season stumble could derail their CFP hopes in a tightly competitive SEC.
Clemson, another program with a polarizing outlook heading into 2025, is ranked No. 7. Steele is optimistic about sophomore quarterback TJ Ross, who showed flashes of brilliance late last season. He also lauds the Tigers’ defensive front, which he describes as “the most NFL-ready in the country.” Yet Steele cautions that their back-end pass coverage must improve if they are to make a serious national title push.
Among Group of Five programs, Steele gives notable recognition to Tulane and SMU, ranking them in his top 25. He’s bullish on Tulane’s offense, which features a dynamic quarterback-running back duo and a versatile playbook that can keep Power Five defenses off balance. He believes SMU, with its Big 12 schedule and recent recruiting wins, could be this season’s Cinderella story.
One common thread throughout Steele’s rankings is his skepticism of hype without production. He places LSU at No. 17, lower than most major polls, arguing that their quarterback battle remains unresolved and their defensive backfield is a liability against pass-heavy offenses. Similarly, he keeps USC just inside the top 20, warning that while the Trojans have dazzling offensive potential, their defense continues to be suspect.
Steele also provides analysis on teams likely to be surprise disappointments. He names Penn State as a possible regression candidate due to the loss of three starting offensive linemen and what he calls “a leadership vacuum” following the graduation of key senior defenders. He also questions the consistency of Oklahoma’s defense, ranking the Sooners at No. 19, far below where many others place them.
It’s not just Steele’s rankings that intrigue—his explanations are what captivate readers. Each team capsule in his preview includes 8–12 pages of analysis, featuring historical trends, in-depth player scouting, coaching evaluations, and even data from his proprietary metrics model. His commitment to objectivity and research makes it difficult to dismiss even his most controversial choices.
Coaches and insiders also respect Steele’s work. Anonymously, several coaches interviewed by regional media have praised his understanding of team nuances. One assistant coach said, “Phil catches stuff that other analysts miss—like whether our nickel corner is coming off surgery or whether our defensive scheme changed because of a new analyst hire. He’s that detailed.”
Fans, of course, are more divided. On social media, Steele’s rankings often go viral, with supporters applauding his independence while detractors accuse him of sensationalism. But even his critics acknowledge that he often gets the last laugh—several of his past predictions, like Cincinnati’s 2021 Playoff run or Michigan’s 2022 resurgence, were initially panned before being proven prophetic.
Phil Steele’s 2025 college football rankings may be unconventional, but they serve an essential purpose in a sport often prone to groupthink. They spark debate, invite scrutiny, and challenge assumptions. At a time when preseason rankings can feel repetitive, Steele injects nuance, analytics, and genuine unpredictability into the conversation.
Whether his bold calls prove prescient or fall flat, one thing is certain—when Phil Steele speaks, the college football world listens. And in a game where anything can happen on any given Saturday, perhaps it’s the rankings that dare to defy expectations that deserve the most attention.
