Another college football season is on the horizon, and with it comes the much-anticipated preseason rankings from Phil Steele. For those who live and breathe college football, Steele's magazine is practically a rite of passage, offering a deep dive into the upcoming season with an eye for detail that few can match. This year is no different, as Steele has once again put forth his predictions, and as is his custom, he's not afraid to chart his own course, even if it means diverging from the national consensus.
Steele's approach is always about digging deeper, and his rankings for the 2025 season are no exception. He's known for his meticulous analysis, and his magazine, now available, is packed with the latest insights. When we look at the initial portion of his Top 25, we see some familiar names and some intriguing placements.
Starting from the bottom of the presented list, we find the Toledo Rockets at number 25. Following them are the Kansas State Wildcats at 24, and the Arizona State Sun Devils checking in at 23. Then comes USC, the Trojans, at 22, and rounding out this initial group is Iowa State at 21. It's interesting to note Steele's perspective on the Big 12, where he anticipates another tightly contested race, even with these teams finding their spots within his rankings. This suggests a conference where parity might be the name of the game once again.
While the full list offers a comprehensive look at Steele's vision for the 2025 season, these early selections already hint at the thought process behind them. Steele's willingness to go against the grain is what makes his rankings so compelling. He doesn't just follow the herd; he analyzes the matchups, the returning talent, and the coaching situations to form his own educated opinions. It's this independent spirit that has cemented his reputation as a leading voice in college football prognostication. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Steele's predictions stack up against the reality on the field.
