The countdown to the 2025 college football season is officially underway, and with just under two months before kickoff, preseason projections are beginning to flood in from analysts and media outlets across the country. One of the most respected and widely read of these comes from veteran college football insider Phil Steele, whose annual season preview guide is considered by many to be the sport’s gold standard.
As always, Steele ranked every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), from No. 1 all the way to No. 136. For fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, the results offer a mixture of optimism and lingering concerns as they gear up for the upcoming campaign. According to Steele’s 2025 rankings, Arkansas comes in at No. 33 overall, placing them firmly within the top quarter of all FBS programs—but still just outside the coveted Top 25.
While this ranking might surprise some fans, especially those expecting a potential bounce-back season under head coach Sam Pittman, it also reflects the stiff competition Arkansas faces within the SEC—widely considered the toughest conference in college football. Of the 16 SEC teams, 11 are ranked ahead of the Razorbacks, a testament to just how brutal the schedule can be for teams trying to rise within the conference hierarchy.
The only SEC programs Steele has ranked below Arkansas are Mississippi State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and, somewhat surprisingly, Missouri. That means Arkansas is projected to finish near the bottom of the SEC West once again unless they manage to outperform expectations. Still, sitting at No. 33 suggests that the Hogs are far from an afterthought nationally. It’s a sign that there is still belief in the talent on the roster and the potential for this group to put together a solid season if key pieces fall into place.
Several factors likely influenced Steele’s ranking of the Razorbacks. For one, Arkansas has experienced significant turnover in recent years, including staff changes and player departures through the transfer portal. However, they’ve also made some notable additions, especially at quarterback and on the offensive line, which could help stabilize the team and improve offensive production—a glaring weakness last season.
Defensively, the Razorbacks have shown flashes of brilliance under defensive coordinator Travis Williams, and with a number of returning starters, there’s reason to believe this year’s unit could be more consistent. The challenge, of course, lies in surviving an SEC schedule that includes heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas.
For Razorback fans, Steele’s No. 33 ranking may feel like a slight, but it also presents an opportunity. Arkansas has made a habit in recent years of flying under the radar and pulling off upsets when few expect them to contend. With preseason expectations moderate but not dismissive, the 2025 squad could use this ranking as motivation to prove doubters wrong.
As the season approaches, all eyes in Fayetteville will be on how Pittman’s crew responds to the challenge. And if they manage to exceed the No. 33 billing, don’t be surprised to see Arkansas make headlines again this fall—for all the right reasons.