By: Jonathan K. Martin
Renowned college football analyst Phil Steele has predicted an uphill climb for Rich Rodriguez in his first year back with the West Virginia football program.
This prediction, which is part of Steele’s annual preseason analysis, places the Mountaineers at the bottom of the Big 12 Conference standings for the upcoming 2025 season.
Steele’s prediction signals a tough road ahead for West Virginia football. This does, however, mark a stark contrast to his 2024 prediction, where he ranked WVU sixth under then-head coach Neal Brown. The Mountaineers eventually finished 8th in the conference at 5-4 and 6-7 overall.
West Virginia kicks off the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, at home against Robert Morris.
The Big 12 Conference portion of the schedule begins on Saturday, September 20, when the Mountaineers travel to Kansas.
