The Mountaineers Have Been Dismissed… But Rich Rod Might Be Plotting Revenge
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From Fiesta Bowl glory to a forecast of futility? That’s the headline West Virginia fans are waking up to—and it’s enough to boil the blood of even the most patient Mountaineer loyalist.
Respected college football savant Phil Steele, known across the sport for his painstakingly detailed annual previews and laser-precise predictions, just dropped a bombshell in his 2025 Big 12 forecast: West Virginia is dead last. No. 16. Basement-bound.
Yes, you read that correctly. One of the most storied programs in the new-look Big 12 is being labeled the league’s weakest link.
Enter: Rich Rodriguez and the Mission to Revive a Sleeping Giant
Let’s backtrack for a moment.
After enduring six grueling years of Neal Brown’s up-and-down reign, West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker finally hit the reset button—with a splash of nostalgia and a bold vision for the future.
He called up the man who once turned Morgantown into a BCS battleground: Rich Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’s last stint in blue and gold wasn’t just successful—it was mythical. Three straight seasons of double-digit wins, explosive offenses, and national respect culminated in 33 victories and two BCS appearances (though he famously left before the program’s iconic Fiesta Bowl triumph).
Now, the prodigal coach returns—not just to fix a football team, but to resurrect a legacy.
Why Steele’s Grim Prediction Might Not Be So Surprising
Look, we’ll be honest—there’s chaos in the cupboard.
West Virginia will be replacing nearly 20 starters from last year’s roster. Add to that a wave of 60+ newcomers, many of whom are untested at the Power Five level, and you have the recipe for a rocky transition year.
In Steele’s eyes, it’s simple math: too much turnover + a brand-new coaching regime = last place.
And his projected standings reflect that brutal conclusion:
Phil Steele’s 2025 Big 12 Power Rankings:
- Baylor
- Utah
- Iowa State
- Arizona State
- Kansas State
- Texas Tech
- TCU
- BYU
- Cincinnati
- Kansas
- Houston
- UCF
- Colorado
- Oklahoma State
- Arizona
16. West Virginia
A Reputation Under Fire — But a Chip on Every Shoulder
Steele’s ranking might sting, but it’s also the ultimate fuel for Rich Rodriguez’s locker room. You think he’s going to let his comeback campaign be defined by a preseason magazine? Absolutely not.
Rich Rod has never been afraid of a rebuild. Never flinched at doubt. In fact, this is the exact scenario where he thrives—when the odds are stacked, when the noise is loud, and when everyone outside the state of West Virginia is counting his program out.
Inside the Milan Puskar Center, they aren’t worried about rankings. They’re building culture. They’re installing schemes. They’re grooming the next Pat White or Steve Slaton. And they’re preparing to shock the system in 2025.
The Road Ahead: Disaster or Dark Horse?
Let’s not kid ourselves—this season could get messy. With so many unknowns on the roster and the most brutal travel schedule in school history, a winning record might be wishful thinking.
But that doesn’t mean this is a lost year. It’s a launchpad.
Watch closely: If Rodriguez can squeeze out a few surprise wins, develop his young quarterback, and establish a new identity, this last-place prediction might look hilariously wrong come November.
Final Thought: Doubt at Your Own Risk
Phil Steele might be the most trusted analyst in college football. But even the best make mistakes. And if there’s one coach in America who relishes the chance to prove people wrong, it’s the fiery, relentless, and unfiltered Rich Rodriguez.
So go ahead, circle that “16” next to West Virginia’s name.
Just don’t be surprised when the Mountaineers kick the door off the Big 12 cellar and start climbing—for good.
