As the countdown to the 2025 college football season continues, Arkansas Razorbacks fans are beginning to feel the buzz. With fewer than 54 days left before kickoff, the annual wave of preseason predictions and rankings is in full swing. One of the most respected voices in the sport, Phil Steele, has released his much-anticipated 2025 College Football Preview, offering an in-depth look at all 136 FBS programs.
In this year’s rankings, Arkansas finds itself placed at No. 33 overall. While that might not be a spot that turns national heads, it’s a position that holds significant context—especially when viewed within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) landscape. According to Steele’s assessment, the Razorbacks are still very much a team in the rebuilding phase but have enough potential to compete, especially if key pieces perform as expected.
Arkansas at No. 33: Respectable but Challenging Path Ahead
For a team that experienced a substantial roster turnover through the Transfer Portal, Arkansas should be somewhat encouraged by the No. 33 slot. While it’s not inside the top 25, it’s close enough to signal that the team is expected to be competitive. However, the Razorbacks must still confront the reality that 11 SEC programs are ranked higher.
The teams ahead of Arkansas in the conference include perennial powerhouses like Texas (No. 3), Alabama (No. 4), and Georgia (No. 7), as well as rising programs such as Oklahoma (No. 8), Texas A&M (No. 9), and Florida (No. 10). Even mid-tier SEC squads such as Tennessee (No. 20), Ole Miss (No. 22), Auburn (No. 24), and South Carolina (No. 27) edge out Arkansas. This underscores just how deep and competitive the SEC continues to be.
On the flip side, Arkansas did manage to rank higher than Mississippi State (No. 55), Kentucky (No. 50), Vanderbilt (No. 38), and Missouri (No. 43). Missouri’s placement might be surprising to some, considering recent performances, but it reflects Steele’s confidence in Arkansas’ potential with their revamped roster.
Taylen Green and the Transfer Portal Strategy
Much of Arkansas’ projected success this season will ride on the shoulders of quarterback Taylen Green. After transferring from Boise State, Green returns for another year, and Razorback fans are hopeful that he can take a significant leap. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Green’s athleticism and leadership will be central to Arkansas’ offensive identity.
To support him, head coach Sam Pittman aggressively addressed offensive line concerns through the Transfer Portal. The emphasis was clear: protect Green and give him time to operate. Arkansas brought in a handful of experienced linemen, hoping to stabilize what was an inconsistent unit last season. If the offensive line holds up, Green could flourish in a system that allows him to use both his arm and legs.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Defensively, Arkansas suffered heavy losses, and Steele notes that replacing those key contributors could be a major hurdle. With so many new faces on that side of the ball, it may take time for the unit to gel. Early-season performances will be crucial in determining how far this team can go. Until then, it’s likely the offense will need to carry the load.
SEC’s Fierce Competition: A Tall Task
Being ranked No. 33 might seem respectable on a national scale, but in the brutal world of SEC football, it means Arkansas is still fighting for relevance. The sheer volume of SEC teams in the top 25 of Steele’s rankings is staggering. Texas, Alabama, and Georgia dominate the top 10, while Oklahoma and Texas A&M aren’t far behind. These programs consistently pull top-tier recruits and develop NFL-caliber talent year in and year out.
Florida and LSU, ranked No. 10 and No. 11 respectively, are also seen as legitimate threats this season. Even teams outside the top 15—like Tennessee and Ole Miss—have the talent and coaching to make serious noise. That leaves Arkansas in the unenviable position of needing to outperform expectations just to crack into the conference’s upper tier.
This places additional pressure on Sam Pittman and his coaching staff. Now in his fifth year at the helm, Pittman has earned respect for his recruiting and player development. However, expectations are rising, and fans are hoping to see those efforts translate into more wins and a potential return to a respectable bowl game.
National Landscape: Who’s at the Top?
According to Steele’s full top 25, Penn State grabs the No. 1 overall spot, followed closely by Notre Dame at No. 2. Texas, Alabama, and Ohio State round out the top five, showcasing a mix of traditional blue bloods and rising contenders. The rest of the top 10 includes Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Florida, affirming that the SEC and Big Ten continue to dominate the national conversation.
Further down, Michigan (No. 12), Oregon (No. 13), and Miami (No. 14) also figure prominently. Arizona State, Indiana, and Illinois round out a surprising middle tier that reflects Steele’s deeper analysis of returning starters, transfer additions, and strength of schedule.
Arkansas’ proximity to the top 25 suggests they’re on the fringe of national relevance—but need a strong start to the season to make a climb. Key early matchups could either reinforce Steele’s projection or force a reevaluation.
Final Thoughts
Phil Steele’s rankings offer a useful barometer for where programs stand ahead of the new season, and Arkansas landing at No. 33 indicates both progress and remaining challenges. There’s optimism surrounding Taylen Green and the new offensive line, and Pittman’s aggressive portal strategy is earning praise. But with a daunting SEC schedule ahead and a defense filled with fresh faces, the Hogs will need everything to come together quickly.
Arkansas might not be favored in many of its SEC matchups, but they have the pieces to surprise. If Green steps up, and the defense can hold its own, the Razorbacks may finish higher than their current slot and perhaps flirt with the top 25 by season’s end. Until then, Steele’s placement is a fair, cautious projection for a team still finding its footing in college football’s toughest conference.
